For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 2,140 students in 27603, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC are The Exploris School, Vance Elementary School and Banks Road Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 27603 have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 27603, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27603, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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%
27603, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Spring Hill School, Dorothea Dix Hosp (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
2104 Umstead Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 733-5545
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 733-5545
Gr: K-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC include The Exploris School, Vance Elementary School and Banks Road Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 27603?
4 public elementary schools are located in 27603.
What is the racial composition of students in 27603?
27603 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.