Best Schools in Raleigh, North Carolina
145 schools · 82 Elementary · 20 Middle · 25 High · 18 Other
Choosing a school in Raleigh?
Use this page to compare every school in Raleigh by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Barton Pond Elementary
Elementary · Wake County Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Leesville Road Elementary
Elementary · Wake County Schools. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
Raleigh Charter High School
High · Raleigh Charter High School. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Raleigh for 2026 are Barton Pond Elementary (9.2/10), Leesville Road Elementary (9.1/10), and Raleigh Charter High School (8.8/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 99 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
145
100 public · 45 private
Avg Score
6.5
out of 10
Median Home
$468,193
home value · ACS
Districts
13
serving the city
Schools
145
100 public · 45 private
Avg Score
6.5
out of 10
Median Home
$468,193
home value · ACS
Districts
13
serving the city
Rates 8.6/10 despite 98% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.5 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Raleigh schools.
STAAR proficiency rose +21.7 points from 2022 to 2024. That's the biggest jump among Raleigh schools across the two most recent comparable testing years.
Top-Rated Schools in Raleigh
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (Top 10 of 99 rated schools; 145 schools in the directory). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barton Pond Elementary | 9.2 / 10 |
| 2 | Leesville Road Elementary | 9.1 / 10 |
| 3 | Raleigh Charter High School | 8.8 / 10 |
| 4 | North Ridge Elementary | 8.8 / 10 |
| 5 | Vernon Malone College and Career Academy | 8.8 / 10 |
| 6 | Rise Southeast Raleigh Charter | 8.6 / 10 |
| 7 | Brooks Elementary | 8.6 / 10 |
| 8 | Olds Elementary | 8.5 / 10 |
| 9 | Doral Academy of North Carolina | 8.4 / 10 |
| 10 | Poe Elementary | 8.4 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.5/10
- Median household income
- $93,618
- Median home value
- $468,193
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 59%
- Avg commute
- 23 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 54%
40% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Raleigh compares
North Carolina rank
#88 of 255
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.2
above North Carolina avg (6.3)
Median household income
$94k
138% of North Carolina median
Schools in this city
133
Education Snapshot
Raleigh, North CarolinaRaleigh spreads 138 schools across 13 districts, enrolling roughly 78,873 students in a level distribution that runs elementary-heavy — 80 elementary campuses compared to 23 high schools and 19 middle schools. On MySchoolScout's composite rating, the city averages 6.7/10 across 128 scored schools, a half-point ahead of the North Carolina state average of 6.2/10. That rating edge aligns with an unusually well-educated adult population: 56% of Raleigh adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the city's median household income of $92,817 sits 27% above the North Carolina state median of $72,819. Eleven charter schools operate alongside the traditional district system, expanding enrollment options beyond default attendance zones. Taken together, Raleigh's above-state ratings, high household income, and strong degree attainment make it one of North Carolina's more competitive urban school markets for incoming families.
Wake County Schools runs 88% of Raleigh's public schools
Raleigh touches 13 districts, but Wake County Schools is the one most addresses actually attend.
Wake County Schools accounts for 88 of 100 public schools (88%). The other 12 districts hold the remaining 12.
Among 99 public schools with real test data, composite scores run from 2.4 to 9.2 — the spread is inside Raleigh, not a citywide average.
11 of the 100 public schools are charters (11%), so the district split is not the whole market.
- Wake County Schools88 public · 88%
- American Leadership Academy - Johnston1 public · 1%
- Central Wake Charter High School1 public · 1%
- Deaf and Blind Schools1 public · 1%
- Doral Academy North Carolina1 public · 1%
About Schools in Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh's public school system gives parents a lot to work with. The city has 98 ranked public schools with an average score of 6.8 out of 10 — a solid baseline that reflects Wake County's reputation as one of North Carolina's stronger districts. Nearly half the schools clear the 7-out-of-10 threshold, with 47 schools, or 48% of the total, scoring 7 or above. That means families in many parts of the city have access to above-average options without leaving the public system.
Elementary education is a particular strength. Partnership Elementary leads the city with a score of 9.3 out of 10, the highest of any ranked school in Raleigh. Poe Elementary and Stough Elementary both score 9.0, and Leesville Road Elementary reaches 8.9. That cluster of high-performing elementaries gives families in northwest and central Raleigh strong neighborhood options, and signals that the pipeline into upper grades is competitive. Gov. Morehead School for the Blind, a specialized state school, scores 9.2 and serves students with visual impairments across North Carolina — worth knowing if your child has those needs, regardless of where you live.
Performance does vary across the city. With 98 schools and an average of 6.8, roughly half the schools fall below that mark, which means location and zone assignment matter. Wake County uses a combination of neighborhood attendance zones and magnet programs, so parents have more choices than a purely residential system would allow. Researching magnet options early is practical, as application deadlines come before most families start their search.
For parents new to Raleigh, the data points to a city where strong public schooling is genuinely accessible but not automatic. The top schools score well above state and national norms, and nearly half the system hits 7 or higher — but results depend on which zone you land in or which programs you pursue. Comparing individual school scores alongside your address, commute, and your child's grade level will give you the clearest picture before making a decision.
Elementary Schools
82 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 504 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.2 |
| 2 | 540 students · Kindergarten–5th | 9.1 |
| 3 | 704 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.8 |
| 4 | 483 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.6 |
| 5 | 438 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.6 |
| 6 | 248 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 |
| 7 | 453 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.4 |
| 8 | 292 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.4 |
| 9 | 415 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.4 |
| 10 | 540 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.3 |
Show all 82 elementary schools in Raleigh
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
20 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 410 students · 3rd–8th | 8.1 |
| 2 | 968 students · 6th–8th | 7.7 |
| 3 | 1,105 students · 6th–8th | 7.5 |
| 4 | 809 students · 6th–8th | 7.3 |
| 5 | 878 students · 6th–8th | 7.2 |
| 6 | 590 students · 6th–8th | 7.1 |
| 7 | 832 students · 6th–8th | 6.9 |
| 8 | 1,121 students · 6th–8th | 6.8 |
| 9 | 937 students · 6th–8th | 6.5 |
| 10 | 678 students · 6th–8th | 6.0 |
Show all 20 middle schools in Raleigh
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
High Schools
25 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 560 students · 9th–12th | 8.8 |
| 2 | 359 students · 9th–UG | 8.8 |
| 3 | 358 students · 6th–UG | 8.0 |
| 4 | 426 students · 9th–12th | 7.9 |
| 5 | 2,062 students · 9th–12th | 7.4 |
| 6 | 328 students · 9th–UG | 7.4 |
| 7 | 2,455 students · 9th–12th | 7.1 |
| 8 | 279 students · 6th–UG | 7.1 |
| 9 | 2,538 students · 9th–12th | 6.9 |
| 10 | 2,105 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 |
Show all 25 high schools in Raleigh
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
18 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 44 students · Kindergarten–12th | 6.3 | ||
| 2 | 1,865 students · Kindergarten–11th | 5.2 | ||
Private Schools16 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | The Fletcher AcademyPrivate 206 students · 2nd–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | Raleigh Christian AcademyPrivate 228 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 3 | Montessori School of RaleighPrivate 238 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 4 | Friendship Christian SchoolPrivate 266 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 5 | The Trilogy SchoolPrivate 45 students · 2nd–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 6 | 36 students · 1st–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 7 | Neuse Christian AcademyPrivate 356 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 8 | Dynamic OpportunitiesPrivate 40 students · UG–UG | Not Rated | ||
Show all 18 other schools in Raleigh
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina · 145 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 15 ZIP codes
Median Income
$93,618
Median Home Value
$468,193
Median Rent
$1,490/mo
Population
558,533
College Educated
59%
Homeownership
54%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
10.5%
Community Profile
Raleigh has a median household income of $93,618. It is a well-educated community where 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $468,193, with a median rent of $1,490/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.5%. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- North Carolina
- Elementary
- 82
- Middle
- 20
- High
- 25
- Other
- 18
Resources
School Districts (13)
The Exploris School
1 school · 450 students
Magellan Charter
1 school · 410 students
Raleigh Charter High School
1 school · 560 students
Quest Academy
1 school · 144 students
PreEminent Charter School
1 school · 712 students
Deaf and Blind Schools
3 schools · 146 students
Longleaf School of the Arts
1 school · 426 students
RISE Southeast Raleigh Charter School
1 school · 483 students
Doral Academy North Carolina
1 school · 453 students
American Leadership Academy - Johnston
1 school · 1,865 students
Central Wake Charter High School
1 school · 253 students
Raleigh Oak Charter School
1 school · 291 students
Wake County Schools
197 schools · 161,481 students
Other Major Cities in North Carolina
Top metros statewide by school count.
Featured Rankings
See our in-depth rankings with interactive maps, score breakdowns, and school spotlights.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Raleigh, North Carolina
How many schools are in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh has 145 schools, including 100 public and 45 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Raleigh is 6.5 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The top-ranked school in Raleigh on MySchoolScout is Barton Pond Elementary with a composite score of 9.2/10.
What is the best elementary school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The top-ranked elementary school in Raleigh on MySchoolScout is Barton Pond Elementary with a composite score of 9.2/10.
What is the best middle school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The top-ranked middle school in Raleigh on MySchoolScout is Magellan Charter with a composite score of 8.1/10.
What is the best high school in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The top-ranked high school in Raleigh on MySchoolScout is Raleigh Charter High School with a composite score of 8.8/10.
How many school districts serve Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh is served by 13 school districts: The Exploris School, Magellan Charter, Raleigh Charter High School, Quest Academy, Preeminent Charter School, Deaf and Blind Schools, Longleaf School of the Arts, Rise Southeast Raleigh Charter School, Doral Academy North Carolina, American Leadership Academy - Johnston, Central Wake Charter High School, Raleigh Oak Charter School, Wake County Schools.
What is the education level in Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to Census data, 59% of adults in Raleigh have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The median household income in Raleigh is approximately $93,618 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Yes, Raleigh has 45 private schools alongside 100 public schools. The top-rated private school is The Fletcher Academy with a score of 8.8/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Raleigh, North Carolina?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Raleigh is 12.1:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Raleigh, North Carolina?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
Related reading
- Moving to Raleigh-Durham? A Parent's Guide to School Choice in the Triangleguides
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Charter Schools vs Public Schools: What the Data Actually Shows (2026)school choice
- Moving before 2027? The federal school choice tax credit follows the state, not youschool choice
- The New School Choice Map: Is Your State Participating in the Federal Tuition Tax Credit?data insights
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings and parent guides, free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Data from NCES Common Core of Data, North Carolina Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.