Best High Schools
in Raleigh, North Carolina
We ranked the 22 high schools in Raleigh with real test data. The top 22 scored between 3.8 and 9.2 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and North Carolina education data
The short answer
The top-rated high schools in Raleigh for 2026 are Raleigh Charter High School (9.2/10), Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (9.0/10), and Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy (8.9/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 22 rated high schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing a high school in Raleigh?
Every high 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.
Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
Raleigh, NC. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy leads Raleigh's high school landscape with a composite score of 8.6 out of 10 — the strongest mark among 16 ranked schools in the metro. Vernon Malone College and Career Academy (8.1) and Raleigh Charter High School (7.1) round out the upper tier, with four schools total clearing the 7-point threshold. That's 25% of the ranked field hitting what most families consider strong performance territory. The average composite score across all 16 schools sits at 5.9 out of 10, which signals meaningful spread between the top performers and the middle of the pack. Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy (7.0) and Phillips High (5.8) illustrate that range well. The table below lets you sort by score, school type, and other key metrics — use it to find the schools that best match your student's priorities and your family's location.
Raleigh Charter High School
Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
Score Distribution
Where the top 22 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Raleigh's High 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.
All 22 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raleigh Charter High School Charter Raleigh Charter High School | 9.2 |
| 2 | Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Wake County Schools | 9.0 |
| 3 | Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy Wake County Schools | 8.9 |
| 4 | Enloe High Wake County Schools | 8.2 |
| 5 | Iron Academy | 7.9 |
| 6 | Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy Wake County Schools | 7.8 |
| 7 | Longleaf School of the Arts Charter Longleaf School of the Arts | 7.6 |
| 8 | Needham Broughton High Wake County Schools | 7.6 |
| 9 | Wake Early College of Health and Science Wake County Schools | 7.5 |
| 10 | Saint Mary's School | 7.4 |
| 11 | Millbrook High Wake County Schools | 7.3 |
| 12 | Leesville Road High Wake County Schools | 7.1 |
| 13 | Athens Drive High Wake County Schools | 7.1 |
| 14 | Wakefield High Wake County Schools | 6.8 |
| 15 | St Thomas More Academy | 6.7 |
| 16 | Cardinal Gibbons High School | 6.0 |
| 17 | Sanderson High Wake County Schools | 5.7 |
| 18 | Word of God Fellowship | 5.3 |
| 19 | Word of God Christian Academy | 5.2 |
| 20 | Phillips High Wake County Schools | 4.4 |
| 21 | Southeast Raleigh High Wake County Schools | 4.1 |
| 22 | Central Wake High School Charter Central Wake Charter High School | 3.8 |
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 high schools in North Carolina. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 22 High 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 High Schools
Choosing the Right High 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 high school landscape is one of the most diverse in North Carolina, with 23 schools spanning 13 school districts, plus 3 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 high school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Raleigh Charter High School is the top-rated high school in Raleigh with a composite score of 9.2/10. 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 high schools are in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh has 23 high schools, including 3 charter schools. Of these, 22 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average high school rating in Raleigh?
The average composite score for Raleigh high schools is 6.8/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in North Carolina).
How does MySchoolScout rate high 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 high school rankings?
Yes. Raleigh has 3 charter high schools, and they are ranked alongside traditional public schools using the same composite scoring methodology.