For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,499 students in 27518, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 196 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in 27518, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC are Wake Stem Early College High School, Penny Road Elementary School and Score Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27518 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27518, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27518, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wake Stem Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2205 Walnut Street
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8130
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8130
Gr: 9-13 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Penny Road Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10900 Penny Rd
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 387-2136
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 387-2136
Gr: K-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
Score Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
5651 Dillard Dr
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8560
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8560
Gr: 9-12 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
27518, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC include Wake Stem Early College High School, Penny Road Elementary School and Score Academy.
How many public schools are located in 27518?
4 public schools are located in 27518.
What percentage of students in 27518 go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in 27518 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27518?
27518 public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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