Skip to main content

Below Average

#2293 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

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Durham

#60 of 68

public schools

North Carolina elementary schools

#1,385 of 1,474

About Research Triangle Charter

Research Triangle Charter is a charter school located in Durham, North Carolina. The school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade and currently has an enrollment of 727 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 23.5:1 and 31 full-time equivalent teachers, Research Triangle Charter aims to provide individualized attention to its students.

Academically, the school focuses on continuous improvement with room for growth. According to MySchoolScout’s rating system, it scores a 2.7 out of 10 and ranks at the 8th percentile among North Carolina schools. In terms of proficiency rates, 39% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 34% meet or exceed expectations in Math.

Research Triangle Charter is situated in a large city setting within Durham County. The school's community reflects the diverse urban environment it serves, offering opportunities for students to engage with various cultural and educational resources available in the area.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Research Triangle Charter is 23.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Research Triangle Charter is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.8Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+1.28 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendImproving
Academics4.1Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency36.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency40.7%
Math vs. State Avg-26.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5.9 pts
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)51%
vs. Expected-12.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile22th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,058

Research Triangle Charter — Students at Research Triangle Charter score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

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 34.3%
School
State
56.8%
ELA Proficiency 39.2%
School
State
52.7%

Based on 18 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

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

2019
Math
28%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
22%
ELA
29%
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
13th percentile in NC
Academic
4.1/10
4.1/10
Growth
5.8/10
Above average
Environment
2.0/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
77%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
31 teachers

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. Oak Grove Elementary (rated 9.3/10, 3.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Spring Valley Elementary (rated 8.7/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Reaching All Minds Academy (rated 8.4/10, 3.6 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 8.3
The Institute Development Young Leaders Durham 2.6 mi 7.0
Spring Valley Elementary Durham 2.4 mi 8.7
R N Harris Elementary Durham 3.0 mi 6.7
NC Virtual Academy Durham 2.8 mi 3.3
Research Triangle High School Research Triangle Pk 3.2 mi 6.1
Middle College HS @ DTCC Durham 3.1 mi 7.7
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 8.4
Y E Smith Elementary Durham 3.6 mi 5.2
Oak Grove Elementary Durham 3.5 mi 9.3
Kestrel Heights School Durham 3.4 mi 6.8
Durham School of Technology Durham 3.1 mi 8.9
North Carolina Cyber Academy Durham 3.2 mi 3.9
Hillside High Durham 3.2 mi 6.1
Maureen Joy Charter School Durham 3.7 mi 7.7
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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Research Triangle Charter has a median household income of $86,953. It is a well-educated community where 45% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $340,500, with a median rent of $1,469/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.1%. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Lawrence Orr Elementary Charlotte, NC 4.5
Merry Oaks International Academy Charlotte, NC 4.5
North Hills Elementary Winston-Salem, NC 4.5
Starmount Academy of Excellence Charlotte, NC 4.5
Beulaville Elementary Beulaville, NC 4.6
Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School Wake Forest, NC 4.6

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 is ranked #2293 out of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Research Triangle Charter's MySchoolScout rating?

Research Triangle Charter has a composite rating of 4.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Research Triangle Charter?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Research Triangle Charter has 34.3% math proficiency and 39.2% reading/ELA proficiency.

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

City Safety
High (4,431/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Durham). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.