For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 3,132 students in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Downtown are Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, Moore Square Middle School and Ligon Middle 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle 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.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh, NC include Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy, Moore Square Middle School and Ligon Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in the neighborhood of Downtown, Raleigh?
5 public middle 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 middle schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.