Wake Preparatory Academy
Wake Preparatory Academy General Information
About (Overview)
Wake Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, offering a full K–12 program. The school is grounded in the philosophy that rigorous academics and character education go hand in hand. Students progress from early childhood through high school within a consistent educational community under the shared values expressed in the school’s R.A.I.S.E. framework—Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence. Wake Prep aims to provide an individualized learning experience, combining strong core instruction with enrichment and leadership opportunities. The charter status gives flexibility to innovate in curriculum design, class organization, and student support systems. As a growing school, Wake Prep emphasizes close relationships, smaller classes in key grades, and systems to support transitions between elementary, middle, and high school levels. The campus infrastructure and academic programs are expanding to match increasing enrollment. Students are encouraged to develop academic independence, critical thinking, service orientation, and preparation for college and career through progressive coursework, elective tracks, and extracurricular engagement.
Contact Informations
Address: 14111 Capital Boulevard, Wake Forest, North Carolina, 27587
Phone Number: (984) 245-0050
Email Address: (The school’s general contact email is managed through its central office; inquiries are routed via the main administrative office.)
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | (Wake Prep launched its K-12 charter in recent years; the charter was approved before first cohort) |
| Type | Public charter school, K–12 |
| Grades Offered | Kindergarten through 12th grade |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | Approximately 21.8 : 1 (101.00 FTE teachers, 2,203 students) |
| Charter Values | R.A.I.S.E. – Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence |
| Campus Size / Facilities | Redesigned campus with expanded facilities including gym, athletic fields, food service capacity |
Wake Preparatory Academy Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Metric |
|---|---|
| Most Diverse Public K-12 Schools in North Carolina | Ranked ~ #28 of 101 |
| Most Diverse Public High Schools in North Carolina | ~ #330 of 705 |
| Average SAT Score (student-reported) | ~1220 |
| Average ACT Score (student-reported) | ~26 |
Wake Preparatory Academy Academics
Wake Preparatory Academy Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies / History / Civics
- World Languages / Language Studies
- Fine Arts / Visual & Performing Arts
- Physical Education / Health / Wellness
- Technology / Innovation / STEM
- Student Support / Intervention / Learning Resource
- Guidance / Counseling / College & Career Services
Wake Preparatory Academy Courses and Programs / Majors
As a K–12 institution, Wake Prep does not offer majors in the university sense, but it provides a range of academic tracks and curricular offerings including:
- Core courses in English, math, science, and social studies at each grade level
- Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school
- Elective courses in visual arts, music, drama, technology, and design
- STEM / innovation electives and labs
- Leadership, service, and project-based learning components
- College and career readiness sequences, including dual enrollment options or early college credits
- Intervention and support programs for students needing extra help
Online Learning
Wake Preparatory Academy has the capacity to offer hybrid or remote modules to support instructional flexibility. This includes supplemental online coursework or virtual options in times of disruption or when a course offering is not available in person. The charter environment enables integration of blended learning strategies to augment classroom instruction, enable enrichment, and support personalized pacing for students.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Reported Average / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | ~1220 | Based on student self-reporting |
| ACT | ~26 | Based on available responses |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Wake Preparatory Academy maintains high retention across its lower and middle grades, with most students continuing through to high school. Although precise graduation statistics are less publicly documented, the school’s mission and resources aim to support all students through to diploma completion. Its academic support, advisory systems, and value-based culture contribute to persistence and degree attainment among its high school cohort.
Wake Preparatory Academy Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because Wake Prep is a charter K–12 school, its admissions do not typically rely on prior high school GPA or SAT/ACT performance, especially for lower grades. For high school entry, applicants often present solid academic records. The student-reported SAT (~1220) and ACT (~26) suggest that successful applicants to upper grades display competitive standardized test performance and consistent academic preparation.
Wake Preparatory Academy Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Enrollment is often based on lottery when demand exceeds capacity |
Wake Preparatory Academy Application Requirements
Applicants to Wake Preparatory Academy must complete an enrollment application, often subject to lottery if the number of applicants exceeds available seats. The process includes providing prior academic records, basic student information, and sometimes interviews or essays, particularly for upper grade placements. The school prioritizes alignment with its values and readiness to engage in a structured, rigorous environment. Siblings of current students may receive priority, and transitional evaluation may be used to place students in proper academic levels. Because Wake Prep is a public charter, there is no tuition barrier; admissions focus on fit, capacity, and fairness rather than economic screening.
Application Process
- Submit the charter school enrollment application during open enrollment window
- Provide prior academic records or transcripts
- Complete any required assessment or placement evaluation
- Interview or meet with school staff (if applicable)
- Enter lottery (if oversubscribed)
- Receive notification of acceptance or waitlist
- Confirm enrollment and complete registration
Wake Preparatory Academy Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Deadline / Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment / Lottery Application Window | Typically early spring for fall admission | Varies yearly |
| Assessment / Placement Evaluation | Shortly after application window | Scheduled by admissions office |
| Acceptance / Lottery Notification | Mid to late spring | Applicants informed whether admitted or waitlisted |
| Enrollment Confirmation Deadline | Weeks after notification | Families complete registration paperwork |
| New Student Orientation / Course Registration | Summer prior to school year | Incoming students on-boarded and scheduled |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
An essay prompt might read: “Describe how you embody or wish to develop one of the R.A.I.S.E. values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, Excellence), and how you would contribute to the Wake Preparatory Academy community in academic and character terms.” This kind of prompt helps the admissions team assess alignment with the school’s core values.
Wake Preparatory Academy Scholarships
As a tuition-free public charter school, Wake Preparatory Academy does not offer scholarships in the traditional sense. All eligible students may enroll at no cost. However, the school may provide support for extracurricular fees, materials, uniforms, or enrichment programs to ensure equitable access for students regardless of family income.
Wake Preparatory Academy Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount / Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | None | As a charter public school, no tuition is charged |
| Fees | Minimal | Students may pay for certain elective materials, lab fees, or optional program costs |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
According to NCES data for 2023–24: Enrollment by gender is 1,073 male and 1,130 female students. Age distribution spans from kindergarten through 12th grade, typically ages 5–18. In racial and ethnic composition, out of 2,203 students: 56 are Asian; 347 are Black; 341 are Hispanic; 1,292 are White; 161 identify as two or more races; 6 are American Indian or Alaska Native.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Data on free or reduced-price lunch eligibility was not fully disclosed in the NCES summary. The school, as a public charter, provides accommodations and special education services consistent with state and federal mandates. It aims to support students with disabilities through inclusive practices and individualized programming, and may offer fee assistance or waivers for resource-intensive electives to ensure equitable participation.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 2,203 (K–12) |
| Classroom Teachers (FTE) | 101.00 |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | 21.81 : 1 |
| Enrollment by Grade (K–12) | See NCES enrollment breakdown across grades in district data |
University Diversity
Wake Preparatory Academy exhibits considerable racial and ethnic diversity within its student population. With White students forming the largest plurality, significant representation from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students contributes to a vibrant demographic mix. This diversity enriches classroom discourse, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and mirrors the broader societal tapestry. The charter’s mission emphasizes inclusivity and moral development, which is reflected in its student intake policies and community norms. School leadership and faculty often integrate culturally responsive pedagogy, value-based dialogues, and service experiences that engage multiple perspectives. Through clubs, projects, and advisory systems, students from different backgrounds collaborate and learn from one another, building empathy and global awareness. The presence of a diverse student body supports Wake Prep’s goal of developing not just academic competence, but socially responsible and culturally fluent citizens.
Average Earnings
As a K–12 institution, Wake Preparatory Academy does not publish alumni earnings data. However, the foundational education, college-preparatory courses, and character development provided by the school aim to position graduates for upward mobility and successful postsecondary pathways. Graduates equipped with strong critical thinking, leadership habits, and academic preparation are more likely to enter competitive colleges, professional programs, and careers with favorable earning potential. While specific salary statistics are unavailable, many alumni of rigorous K–12 charter schools tend to achieve above-average career outcomes—particularly in sectors such as STEM, business, medicine, and education. Wake Prep’s intention to build both academic readiness and character ensures its graduates are positioned to contribute meaningfully and thrive in a dynamic economy.
Wake Preparatory Academy Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The school employs approximately 101 full-time equivalent classroom teachers, serving its K–12 enrollment of 2,203 students. Additional support staff include instructional aides, administrative personnel, guidance and counseling staff, special education professionals, and technology and facilities workers. The larger charter district staffing totals about 175.41 staff members including non-teaching support roles. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 21.8 : 1, which is relatively high for personalized instruction but has been managed through differentiated supports and small group interventions.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Wake Preparatory Academy are selected for both pedagogical skill and alignment with the school’s moral and academic mission. Many hold state teacher certifications, and several bring experience from public and charter school environments. Staff engage in professional development focused on character education, differentiated instruction, and values-based pedagogy. Some faculty lead specialized electives or innovation labs, mentor student leadership projects, and manage extracurricular or athletic programs. The school encourages teacher leadership in curriculum design, student engagement, and community service, with recognition for excellence in instruction, student outcomes, and value-driven impact.
Wake Preparatory Academy Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Wake Preparatory Academy is a day school and does not offer boarding or residential housing. Students commute daily via family transport, school-provided buses (if available), or carpooling. The campus includes academic buildings, gymnasiums, athletic fields, a redesigned facility to accommodate growth, a full industrial kitchen for food service, performance and arts spaces, and outdoor areas for recreation and sports. Student life revolves around leadership initiatives, service projects, sports teams (the “Guardians”), elective programs, and intra-school events. Though clubs are less emphasized in some student reviews, athletics and performing arts programs are active. Costs associated with student life are modest and generally limited to uniforms, activity fees, and elective materials.
Transportation
Wake Preparatory Academy is located in a semi-rural fringe area of Wake Forest, North Carolina, accessible by major roads. Many students arrive via school or charter buses, private cars, and carpool arrangements. Drop-off and pick-up logistics are managed to ensure smooth flow. Within campus grounds, students traverse between buildings via sidewalks, covered walkways, and campus paths. The facility expansion includes updates to parking, roadways, and pedestrian safety measures. Because the school serves a wide geographic area, effective transportation coordination is essential for daily attendance and after-school program participation.