For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,874 students in 27603, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 1,546 private students). 65% of all K-12 students in 27603, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27603, NC are Vernon Malone College And Career Academy, Longleaf School Of The Arts and The Exploris School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27603 have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27603, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27603, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Vernon Malone College And Career Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2200 S Wilmington St
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 856-8119
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 856-8119
Gr: 9-13 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #22.
Longleaf School Of The Arts
Charter School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
322 Chapanoke Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Gr: 9-12 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
The Exploris School
Charter School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
401 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 715-3690
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 715-3690
Gr: K-8 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Vance Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
8808 Old Stage Rd
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 662-2472
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 662-2472
Gr: PK-5 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Banks Road Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10225 Chambers Rd
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 890-7333
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 890-7333
Gr: PK-5 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #66.
Smith Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1101 Maxwell Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 662-2458
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 662-2458
Gr: PK-5 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: n/an/a
Longleaf School Of Arts Remote Academy
Charter School
322 Chapanoke Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27603, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27603, NC include Vernon Malone College And Career Academy, Longleaf School Of The Arts and The Exploris School.
How many public schools are located in 27603?
7 public schools are located in 27603.
What percentage of students in 27603 go to public school?
65% of all K-12 students in 27603 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27603?
27603 public schools minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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