For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,202 students in 27703, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC are R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 27703 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 27703, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27703, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
R N Harris Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1520 Cooper Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Spring Valley Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2051 Northern Durham Prky
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Gr: PK-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Research Triangle Charter
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2418 Ellis Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Gr: K-8 | 710 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Oak Grove Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3810 Wake Forest Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Gr: PK-5 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
The Institute Development Young Leaders
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4300 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Gr: K-8 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Maureen Joy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
107 South Driver Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Gr: K-8 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Bethesda Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2009 S Miami Boulevard
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #88.
Reaching All Minds Academy
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2703 Holloway St.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Gr: K-8 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #99.
Y E Smith Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2410 E Main Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
27703, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Communities In School Academy (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
401 N Driver St
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3931
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3931
Gr: 5-12 | 174 students Minority enrollment: 98%
800 Clayton Rd
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-9184
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-9184
Gr: 9-12 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC include R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter.
How many public elementary schools are located in 27703?
9 public elementary schools are located in 27703.
What is the racial composition of students in 27703?
27703 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Makes an Elementary School Feel Supportive?
Discover what makes one elementary school more supportive than another, from teacher relationships and family communication to classroom attention, belonging, student services, leadership, routines, and responsive academic support systems.
Second School Tour: Questions Parents Forget to Ask
A second school tour can reveal what families miss initially. Learn which questions to ask about teachers, support, schedules, safety, communication, programs, and everyday student life before enrolling.
Attendance Policies Are Changing: Parent Guide 2026
Attendance policies are changing across public schools. Learn what parents should examine about absences, tardiness, interventions, flexibility, communication, and student support before choosing a school for their child today.