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Below Average

#2185 of 2,648 schools in NC

Research Triangle Charter

Elementary School · Research Triangle Charter

2418 Ellis Road, Durham, NC 27703

Charter

Enrollment

727

Student-Teacher

23.5:1

Score

4.5

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,185 of 2,648

In Durham

#62 of 68

public schools

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Research Triangle Charter

4.5/10

Elementary School in Durham · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bethesda Christian Academy

6.2/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Bethesda Elementary

5.8/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Research Triangle Charter

Research Triangle Charter is a public elementary school in Durham, NC, part of Research Triangle Charter. Research Triangle Charter serves approximately 727 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 23.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Research Triangle Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,185 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Research Triangle Charter show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.9 pts below NC schools
  • This school 4.5 · Below Average
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Research Triangle Charter runs 23.5:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Research Triangle Charter 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 metrics
Student Progress5.8Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-1.68 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics3.8Needs Improvement30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.9% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency40.7% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-26.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.9 pts
Overall Proficiency39% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)53% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-14.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile18th
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,802
Chronic Absenteeism18.7%

Research Triangle Charter — Students at Research Triangle Charter score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 53%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

77.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 38.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.8% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 40.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 42 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
75%
ELA
57%
2010
Math
67%
ELA
62%
2011
Math
67%
ELA
59%
2012
Math
24%
ELA
31%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
33%
2014
Math
38%
ELA
34%
2015
Math
37%
ELA
34%
2016
Math
40%
ELA
36%
2017
Math
34%
ELA
38%
2018
Math
28%
ELA
37%
2019
Math
28%
ELA
37%
2020*
Math
22%
ELA
29%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
29%
2022
Math
29.7%
ELA
43.5%
2025
Math
37%
ELA
40.9%

* 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: 5.8/10.

How Research Triangle Charter Compares

See how Research Triangle Charter performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.5/10
18th percentile in NC
Academic
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.8/10
Average
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
31 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.7%

Location

2418 Ellis Road, Durham, NC 27703

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Research Triangle Charter may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Reaching All Minds Academy (rated 8.3/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Spring Valley Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Oak Grove Elementary (rated 7.5/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Durham, see our Durham schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Durham 0.8 mi 6.2
Bethesda Elementary Durham 0.8 mi 5.8
The Institute Development Young Leaders Durham 2.6 mi 6.8
Spring Valley Elementary Durham 2.4 mi 7.7
R N Harris Elementary Durham 3.0 mi 5.4
NC Virtual Academy Durham 2.8 mi 4.7
Research Triangle High School Research Triangle Pk 3.2 mi 8.6
Middle College HS @ DTCC Durham 3.1 mi 9.5
TUTORIAL -1/2 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Durham 3.4 mi
Lowe's Grove Middle Durham 3.1 mi 4.1
GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE ACADEMY Durham 3.5 mi
Reaching All Minds Academy Durham 3.6 mi 8.3
Y E Smith Elementary Durham 3.6 mi 4.7
Oak Grove Elementary Durham 3.5 mi 7.5
Kestrel Heights School Durham 3.4 mi 3.7
Durham School of Technology Durham 3.1 mi 9.3
North Carolina Cyber Academy Durham 3.2 mi 4.6
Hillside High Durham 3.2 mi 5.5
Maureen Joy Charter School Durham 3.7 mi 6.1
QUALITY EDUCATION INSTITUTE OF DURHAM Durham 3.3 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27703 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,953

Median Home Value

$340,500

Median Rent

$1,469/mo

Population

62,994

College Educated

45.1%

Homeownership

65.2%

Avg Commute

24.3 min

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

35.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Avery's Creek Elementary Arden, NC 4.5
Blue Creek Elementary Jacksonville, NC 4.5
Brassfield Elementary Raleigh, NC 4.5
Coats Elementary Coats, NC 4.5
Forest Pines Drive Elementary Raleigh, NC 4.5
Haw River Elementary Haw River, NC 4.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Research Triangle Charter

What grades does Research Triangle Charter serve?

Research Triangle Charter serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Research Triangle Charter?

Research Triangle Charter has an enrollment of approximately 727 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Research Triangle Charter?

The student-teacher ratio at Research Triangle Charter is 23.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Research Triangle Charter rank in NC?

Research Triangle Charter ranks #2,185 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Research Triangle Charter's MySchoolScout rating?

Research Triangle Charter has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 Research Triangle Charter?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Research Triangle Charter has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 40% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Research Triangle Charter a charter school?

Yes, Research Triangle Charter is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Research Triangle Charter a Title I school?

No, Research Triangle Charter is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Research Triangle Charter?

77.4% of students at Research Triangle Charter qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
33 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
25 Some Transit
Bike Score
18 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
727
Student-Teacher Ratio
23.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
31
Free/Reduced Lunch
77.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Durham County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.7%

District

Research Triangle Charter
District Enrollment
727
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,802
District Rank
#1 of 1

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