For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,371 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in Downtown are Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, Moore Square Middle School and Washington Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
567 East Hargett St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 664-5644
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 664-5644
Gr: 6-13 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #22.
Moore Square Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
301 South Person Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 664-5737
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 664-5737
Gr: 6-8 | 594 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
Washington Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Fayetteville St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7960
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7960
Gr: K-5 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #44.
Hunter Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1018 E Davie St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7676
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7676
Gr: PK-5 | 658 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #55.
Ligon Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
706 E Lenoir St
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7929
Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 856-7929
Gr: 6-8 | 959 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #66.
Carnage Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1425 Carnage Dr
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 856-7600
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 856-7600
Gr: 6-8 | 924 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
Phillips High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1923 Milburnie Rd
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 856-7710
Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 856-7710
Gr: 9-12 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC include Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, Moore Square Middle School and Washington Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh?
13 public schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh?
the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh public schools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.