Best Elementary Schools
in Raleigh, North Carolina
We ranked all 80 elementary schools in Raleigh. The top 25 scored between 7.9 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and North Carolina education data
Raleigh's 63 ranked elementary schools average a composite score of 7.2 out of 10 — a strong baseline that reflects the metro's well-documented investment in public education. Partnership Elementary leads the field at 9.3/10, followed closely by Poe and Stough Elementary, each at 9.0, and Leesville Road Elementary at 8.9. RISE Southeast Raleigh Charter rounds out the top five at 8.7, signaling that charter options are competitive with traditional public schools at the highest levels. The spread matters for families weighing neighborhoods and enrollment zones. Thirty-seven schools — 59% of the ranked list — score 7 or above, meaning quality options are broadly distributed rather than concentrated in a handful of zip codes. Use the table below to sort by score, school type, or other metrics to find the right fit for your child.
Partnership Elementary
Poe Elementary
Stough Elementary
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Raleigh's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within North Carolina so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Partnership Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.3 |
| 2 | Poe Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.0 |
| 3 | Stough Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.0 |
| 4 | Leesville Road Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.9 |
| 5 | RISE Southeast Raleigh Charter Charter RISE Southeast Raleigh Charter School | 8.7 |
| 6 | North Ridge Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.7 |
| 7 | Swift Creek Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.7 |
| 8 | Powell Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.6 |
| 9 | Barton Pond Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.6 |
| 10 | Conn Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.5 |
| 11 | Doral Academy of North Carolina Charter Doral Academy North Carolina | 8.4 |
| 12 | Barwell Road Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.4 |
| 13 | Abbotts Creek Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.4 |
| 14 | Green Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.3 |
| 15 | Hilburn Drive Academy Wake County Schools | 8.3 |
| 16 | Hunter Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 17 | Jeffreys Grove Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 18 | Lynn Road Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 19 | Underwood Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 20 | Vance Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 21 | CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY-NORTH RALEIGH | 8.0 |
| 22 | Brooks Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.9 |
| 23 | Douglas Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.9 |
| 24 | Beaverdam Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.9 |
| 25 | Southeast Raleigh Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.9 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and North Carolina education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in North Carolina. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Raleigh
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Raleigh's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Raleigh
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Raleigh's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in North Carolina, with 80 schools spanning 13 school districts, plus 6 charter schools offering alternative approaches.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Partnership Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Raleigh with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
How many elementary schools are in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh has 80 elementary schools, including 6 charter schools. Of these, 73 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Raleigh?
The average composite score for Raleigh elementary schools is 7.1/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in North Carolina).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). All scores are computed within North Carolina, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in North Carolina, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.
Are charter schools included in the Raleigh elementary school rankings?
Yes. Raleigh has 6 charter elementary schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.