The people of Lee County understand the power of education and we unleash it every day. Our dedicated teachers, administrators and support staffs work hard to help each student achieve his or her fullest potential.
The Lee County Schools system offers diverse paths for each child they serve, with traditional schools and innovative alternatives.
The county is home to three public high schools — Lee County (often referred to as Lee Senior), Southern Lee and Lee Early College (LEC). LEC is an academically advanced school originally intended for students who come from underrepresented segments of the population (minorities, low-income households, families with no history of higher education). Based at the Central Carolina Community College Sanford main campus, its students complete 5 years of schooling with a high school diploma and a 2 year associates degree.
Innovation exists in Lee County for students of all ages. Of the 13 other public schools in the county, Tramway Elementary is on a year-round calendar. Bragg Street Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 7-through-12 who require specialized teaching and mentoring. The Floyd L. Knight Children’s Center teaches students from age 3-through-22 how to function independently and experience successes in their homes, community and daily lives. Warren Williams Elementary Alternative School serves children in grades K-through-5, with a curriculum that focuses on academics and childhood development.
The residents of Lee County are also fortunate to be the home base for Central Carolina Community College. CCCC was founded in 1961 and utilizes an effective 3 main campus concept to serve students of all ages in Lee, Harnett and Chatham Counties.
CCCC offers 45 curriculum programs and distance education, and focuses on four segments of students —
- High school graduates looking to continue their education, effectively and affordably
- Individuals looking to earn their high school diploma
- College graduates and others seeking additional academic education
- Unemployed and underemployed people who are training for a new career
CCCC’s main campus in Lee County is on Kelly Drive, near US Highway 421; but the college also conducts classes and professional training in over a dozen other locations across its geographic footprint. Residents in Sanford and throughout Piedmont North Carolina have a great appreciation for the key role CCCC plays in training and educating our citizens in an effective and progressive way. The college’s engagement with students, employers, local governments and agencies help enhance the area’s quality of life significantly.
Lee County is also home to two well-established Christian schools — Grace Christian and Lee Christian. Both serve students from pre-k through high school graduation. Our Montessori School — Griffin Academy (pre K-through-5) and charter school — Provisions Academy, also play important roles in the academic successes of our student population.