Needs Improvement
#2431 of 2,648 schools in NC
Kestrel Heights School
Elementary School · Kestrel Heights School
4700 South Alston Ave., Durham, NC 27713
Enrollment
440
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
3.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
440
Student-Teacher
14.7:1
Score
3.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,431 of 2,648
In Durham
#68 of 68
public schools
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Kestrel Heights School
Elementary School in Durham · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Lowe's Grove Middle
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Research Triangle High School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Kestrel Heights School
Kestrel Heights School is a public elementary school in Durham, NC, part of Kestrel Heights School. Kestrel Heights School serves approximately 440 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 14.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Kestrel Heights School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,431 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Kestrel Heights School show 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Kestrel Heights School is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Kestrel Heights School — Students at Kestrel Heights School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 60%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
53.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 42 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.2/10.
How Kestrel Heights School Compares
See how Kestrel Heights School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
4700 South Alston Ave., Durham, NC 27713
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Kestrel Heights School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Hortons Creek Elementary (rated 9.4/10, 4.0 miles away, in nearby Cary), which scores notably higher. Another option is Parkside Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Morrisville), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pearsontown Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 2.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Durham, see our Durham schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.5 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lowe's Grove Middle Durham | 0.5 mi | 4.1 |
| Research Triangle High School Research Triangle Pk | 0.9 mi | 8.6 |
| NC Virtual Academy Durham | 1.1 mi | 4.7 |
| Parkwood Elementary Durham | 1.0 mi | 4.5 |
| North Carolina Cyber Academy Durham | 1.2 mi | 4.6 |
| The Institute Development Young Leaders Durham | 2.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Pearsontown Elementary Durham | 2.6 mi | 8.7 |
| Alston Ridge Elementary Cary | 2.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Lyons Farm Elementary Durham | 2.5 mi | 8.6 |
| Alston Ridge Middle Cary | 3.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Southwest Elementary Durham | 2.8 mi | 8.3 |
| SOUTHPOINT ACADEMY Durham | 2.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Research Triangle Charter Durham | 3.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Durham School of Technology Durham | 3.8 mi | 9.3 |
| Hillside High Durham | 3.9 mi | 5.5 |
| Hortons Creek Elementary Cary | 4.0 mi | 9.4 |
| Parkside Elementary Morrisville | 4.1 mi | 8.8 |
| W G Pearson Elementary Durham | 4.3 mi | 7.2 |
| THE STUDIO SCHOOL OF DURHAM Durham | 3.8 mi | 5.9 |
| QUALITY EDUCATION INSTITUTE OF DURHAM Durham | 4.5 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27713 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$96,900
Median Home Value
$380,500
Median Rent
$1,460/mo
Population
58,409
College Educated
65.2%
Homeownership
59.3%
Avg Commute
22.6 min
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Median Age
34.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bruns Avenue Elementary Charlotte, NC | 3.7 |
| Bugg Elementary Raleigh, NC | 3.7 |
| East Albemarle Elementary Albemarle, NC | 3.7 |
| Gamewell Elementary Lenoir, NC | 3.7 |
| Parkton Elementary Parkton, NC | 3.7 |
| R Homer Andrews Elementary Burlington, NC | 3.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Kestrel Heights School
What grades does Kestrel Heights School serve?
Kestrel Heights School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Kestrel Heights School?
Kestrel Heights School has an enrollment of approximately 440 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Kestrel Heights School?
The student-teacher ratio at Kestrel Heights School is 14.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Kestrel Heights School rank in NC?
Kestrel Heights School ranks #2,431 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Kestrel Heights School's MySchoolScout rating?
Kestrel Heights School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Kestrel Heights School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Kestrel Heights School has 44% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Kestrel Heights School a charter school?
Yes, Kestrel Heights School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Kestrel Heights School a Title I school?
No, Kestrel Heights School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Kestrel Heights School?
53.9% of students at Kestrel Heights School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 440
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 30
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 53.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Durham County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 23.9%
- Phone
- (919) 484-1300
Resources & Links
District
Kestrel Heights School- District Enrollment
- 440
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $10,698
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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