For the 2025-26 school year, there are 71 blue ribbon public elementary schools serving 37,956 students in North Carolina.
Blue ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence. Read more about this national school awards program and how blue ribbon schools work.
The top ranked blue ribbon public elementary schools in North Carolina are Brown Summit Middle School, Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy and Riverbend Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
North Carolina blue ribbon public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 74% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 69% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Blue Ribbon Public Elementary Schools in North Carolina (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Brown Summit Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
4720 Nc Highway 150 East
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Browns Summit, NC 27214
(336) 656-0432
Gr: 6-8 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 98%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
5225 Seventy-seven Center Dr
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 503-1112
Gr: K-8 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #33.
Riverbend Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
71 Learning Lane
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-6565
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-6565
Gr: K-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Providence Spring Elementary School
(Math: 93% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
10045 Providence Church Ln
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6935
Gr: K-5 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #55.
Wrightsville Beach Elementary School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
220 Coral Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-3171
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
(910) 256-3171
Gr: K-5 | 273 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Weddington Middle School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5903 Deal Road
Matthews, NC 28104
(704) 296-6318
Matthews, NC 28104
(704) 296-6318
Gr: 6-8 | 1,403 student Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Davis Drive Elementary School
(Math: 86% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2151 Davis Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-2130
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-2130
Gr: K-5 | 820 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #7 - 87. - 8.
Davis Drive Middle School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2101 Davis Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-3033
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 387-3033
Gr: 6-8 | 997 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #99.
Greensboro Academy
Charter School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4049 Battleground Ave
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 286-8404
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 286-8404
Gr: K-8 | 768 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Hawk Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9201 Bryant Farms Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-5927
Gr: PK-5 | 801 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
180 Union School Road Nw
Shallotte, NC 28470
(910) 756-5900
Shallotte, NC 28470
(910) 756-5900
Gr: K-5 | 603 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1212.
Jay M. Robinson Middle School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5925 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 343-6944
Gr: 6-8 | 1,330 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #1313.
Southeastern Academy
Charter School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
12251 Nc Hwy 41 North
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 738-7828
Lumberton, NC 28358
(910) 738-7828
Gr: K-8 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #1414.
Rock Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 89% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
6605 Rock Ridge School Rd
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7955
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7955
Gr: K-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1515.
Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6701 Gordon Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 397-1544
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 397-1544
Gr: K-5 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1616.
Glenn C Marlow Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1985 Butler Bridge Road
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Gr: K-5 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #1717.
Hendersonville Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1039 Randall Circle
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 697-4752
Hendersonville, NC 28791
(828) 697-4752
Gr: K-5 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #1818.
Beverly Woods Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6001 Quail Hollow Rd
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 343-3627
Gr: K-5 | 649 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1919.
Pearsontown Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4915 Barbee Road
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 560-3964
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 560-3964
Gr: PK-5 | 740 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #2020.
Davidson K-8 School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
635 South St
Davidson, NC 28036
(980) 343-3900
Davidson, NC 28036
(980) 343-3900
Gr: K-8 | 1,185 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #2121.
Shoals Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1800 Shoals Road
Pinnacle, NC 27043
(336) 325-2518
Pinnacle, NC 27043
(336) 325-2518
Gr: PK-5 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #2222.
Morrisville Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1519 Morrisville Pkwy
Morrisville, NC 27560
(919) 460-3400
Morrisville, NC 27560
(919) 460-3400
Gr: K-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #2323.
Mckee Road Elementary School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4101 Mckee Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-3970
Charlotte, NC 28270
(980) 343-3970
Gr: K-5 | 511 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #2424.
Elizabeth Lane Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
121 Elizabeth Ln
Matthews, NC 28105
(980) 343-5700
Matthews, NC 28105
(980) 343-5700
Gr: K-5 | 660 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2525.
Huntersville Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
200 Gilead Rd
Huntersville, NC 28078
(980) 343-3835
Huntersville, NC 28078
(980) 343-3835
Gr: K-5 | 893 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
Lucama Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6260 Blalock Road
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Gr: PK-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #26 - 2726. - 27.
W Jesse Gurganus Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
535 Hwy 70 W
Havelock, NC 28532
(252) 444-5150
Havelock, NC 28532
(252) 444-5150
Gr: K-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #2828.
Saluda Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
214 E Main Street
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Gr: PK-5 | 145 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #2929.
Willow Springs Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6800 Dwight Rowland Rd
Willow Spring, NC 27592
(919) 557-2770
Willow Spring, NC 27592
(919) 557-2770
Gr: K-5 | 821 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #3030.
Hope Middle School
(Math: 82% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2995 Mills Road
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 355-7071
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 355-7071
Gr: 6-8 | 896 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #3131.
Socrates Academy
Charter School
(Math: 75% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3909 Weddington Rd
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 321-1711
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 321-1711
Gr: K-11 | 947 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #3232.
Briarcliff Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1220 Pond St
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3443
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3443
Gr: PK-5 | 456 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #3333.
Weatherstone Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Olde Weatherstone Way
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 380-6988
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 380-6988
Gr: PK-5 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #3434.
Chocowinity Primary
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
606 Gray Road
Chocowinity, NC 27817
(252) 946-3881
Chocowinity, NC 27817
(252) 946-3881
Gr: PK-4 | 471 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #3535.
Eastover-central Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5174 Dunn Road
Fayetteville, NC 28312
(910) 483-8997
Fayetteville, NC 28312
(910) 483-8997
Gr: PK-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Show 36 more public schools in North Carolina (out of 71 total schools)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked blue ribbon public elementary schools in North Carolina?
The top ranked blue ribbon public elementary schools in North Carolina include Brown Summit Middle School, Metrolina Reg Scholars Academy and Riverbend Elementary School.
How many blue ribbon public elementary schools are located in North Carolina?
71 blue ribbon public elementary schools are located in North Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
North Carolina blue ribbon public elementary schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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