Best Elementary Schools
in Raleigh, North Carolina
We ranked the 72 elementary schools in Raleigh with real test data. The top 25 scored between 7.6 and 9.3 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and North Carolina education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Raleigh for 2026 are Abbotts Creek Elementary (9.3/10), Hunter Elementary (9.2/10), and Jeffreys Grove Elementary (9.2/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 72 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Raleigh?
Every elementary school in Raleigh is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Abbotts Creek Elementary
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Hunter Elementary
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Jeffreys Grove Elementary
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
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.
Abbotts Creek Elementary
Hunter Elementary
Jeffreys Grove 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 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within North Carolina so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 72 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abbotts Creek Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.3 |
| 2 | Hunter Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.2 |
| 3 | Jeffreys Grove Elementary Wake County Schools | 9.2 |
| 4 | Quest Academy Charter Quest Academy | 9.1 |
| 5 | Leesville Road Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.9 |
| 6 | Doral Academy of North Carolina Charter Doral Academy North Carolina | 8.8 |
| 7 | Pleasant Union Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.8 |
| 8 | Root Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.8 |
| 9 | Stough Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.8 |
| 10 | Rise Southeast Raleigh Charter Charter RISE Southeast Raleigh Charter School | 8.7 |
| 11 | Lacy Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.7 |
| 12 | Conn Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.6 |
| 13 | Underwood Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.5 |
| 14 | Washington Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.4 |
| 15 | Partnership Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.3 |
| 16 | Combs Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 17 | Sycamore Creek Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 18 | Fuller Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.1 |
| 19 | Hilburn Drive Academy Wake County Schools | 8.1 |
| 20 | North Ridge Elementary Wake County Schools | 8.0 |
| 21 | Chesterbrook Academy-north Raleigh | 8.0 |
| 22 | Joyner Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.9 |
| 23 | Olds Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.8 |
| 24 | Lynn Road Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.7 |
| 25 | Vance Elementary Wake County Schools | 7.6 |
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, Abbotts Creek Elementary is the top-rated elementary school in Raleigh with a composite score of 9.3/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
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 6.7/10. 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 that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. 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.