The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Math. The lowest is 33% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on College Lakes Elementary
College Lakes Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade in Fayetteville, a mid-sized city and Cumberland County seat shaped by its proximity to Fort Liberty and a rotating population of military families. The school sits on an auto-oriented corridor, like most schools in the area, rather than in a walkable downtown setting. Housing in the school's zip code is moderately priced relative to national benchmarks, though rents are rising, and the area is experiencing steady growth tied to military expansion and migration from higher-cost regions.
The student body is economically disadvantaged. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and the racial composition is predominantly Black, with substantial representation from Hispanic, multiracial, and white students. Enrollment sits near capacity for an elementary school of its grade span, distributed relatively evenly across the lower grades.
State testing data from the most recent school year shows proficiency rates below the midpoint in both English language arts and math. In math, fewer than half of students tested met proficiency. In English language arts, the rate was slightly lower. Science proficiency was substantially lower still, though the science assessment changed between administrations, which affects direct comparison. The school tested students only in grades three through five, the required testing window; younger grades do not take state assessments. No trend data is available to show whether performance is moving, or data on individual student growth. Data on the rates of students with disabilities or English learners was not reported.
Cumberland County Schools is currently undergoing a major structural shift. A facilities study identified significant repair needs across the district, and the board has approved a consolidation plan that includes school closures, relocations, and changes to school calendars. Two elementary schools have already voted for closure, and additional closures are expected. This reshaping directly affects attendance zones, busing routes, and school communities district-wide. Additionally, beginning with the 2026-27 school year, high school students living on Fort Liberty are no longer restricted to a single school and may choose among the district's ten comprehensive high schools. The district also faces a structural budget deficit after pandemic-relief funding ended, requiring the system to draw from reserves to cover recurring staffing and contracted services. This fiscal pressure underlies the consolidation decisions and will likely shape class sizes, programs, and property tax requests going forward.
A parent considering College Lakes should view the current test proficiency results as a baseline but also factor the broader district context. The school operates within a system in transition, and families with school-age children should stay informed about the closure and consolidation timeline, which will affect both the school itself and district capacity across the county. The school's high-poverty enrollment is typical for Fayetteville schools in this area; families should ask the school directly about interventions, support staff, and instructional strategies in place to address the proficiency gap, as well as how any pending consolidation plans might affect the school or their child's peer group.
See more original research from School Decision →