For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,850 students in Lillington, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Lillington, NC are Western Harnett High School, Western Harnett Middle School and Harnett Virtual Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lillington, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Lillington have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Lillington, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Western Harnett High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
10637 Nc Hwy 27 West
Lillington, NC 27546
(919) 499-5113
Lillington, NC 27546
(919) 499-5113
Gr: 9-12 | 1,324 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #22.
Western Harnett Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
11135 Nc Hwy 27 West
Lillington, NC 27546
(919) 499-4497
Lillington, NC 27546
(919) 499-4497
Gr: 6-8 | 700 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #33.
Harnett Virtual Academy
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
900 11th Strrt
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-4072
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-4072
Gr: K-12 | 100 students Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #44.
Lillington-shawtown Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
855 Old Us 421
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-3483
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-3483
Gr: PK-5 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #55.
Star Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
900 11th Street
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-4072
Lillington, NC 27546
(910) 893-4072
Gr: 6-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Lillington, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Lillington, NC include Western Harnett High School, Western Harnett Middle School and Harnett Virtual Academy.
How many public schools are located in Lillington?
5 public schools are located in Lillington.
What is the racial composition of students in Lillington?
Lillington public schools minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.