George Watts Elementary School

700 Watts Street
Durham, NC 27701
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
Serving 358 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, George Watts Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 358 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 51%
  • : Top 20% in NC
  • : 65-69% (Top 30%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 80-89% (Top 10%)
  • : George Watts Elementary serves the southwest part of Durham, NC, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of about 0.6 miles to the edge of the attendance area.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

George Watts Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency

School Overview

George Watts Elementary School's student population of 358 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
358 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor

School Rankings

George Watts Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of George Watts Elementary School is 0.67, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#367 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(21-22)
65-69%
51%
70-74%
50%
80-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
25%
22%
Black
15%
24%
White
49%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
51%
0.67
(22-23)
13.4%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name

Sports

School Mascot
Wild Boars
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is George Watts Elementary School's ranking?
George Watts Elementary School is ranked #367 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are George Watts Elementary School often compared to?
George Watts Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Morehead Montessori by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend George Watts Elementary School?
358 students attend George Watts Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of George Watts Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of George Watts Elementary School?
George Watts Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does George Watts Elementary School offer ?
George Watts Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is George Watts Elementary School part of?
George Watts Elementary School is part of Durham School District.
In what neighborhood is George Watts Elementary School located?
George Watts Elementary School is located in the Trinity Park neighborhood of Durham, NC.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • School Type: Magnet School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 358 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 51%
  • : Top 20%
  • : 65-69% (Top 30%)
  • : 70-74% (Top 20%)
  • : 80-89% (Top 10%)
  • : George Watts Elementary serves the southwest part of Durham, NC, covering an area of approximately 1 square mile. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of about 0.6 miles to the edge of the attendance area.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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