The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 21%
75%
Avg. Statewide: 42%
Top Ranked Cities With Best Public Schools in North Carolina (2025-26)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
75%
(9 out of 12)
(9 out of 12)
Rank: #22.
53%
(8 out of 15)
(8 out of 15)
- Franklin Academy
Rank: #306 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 79%) - Endeavor Charter School
Rank: #315 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 78%) - North Wake College And Career Academy
Rank: #352 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 90-94%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Wake Forest, NC Schools
Rank: #33.
50%
(3 out of 6)
(3 out of 6)
- Cedar Fork Elementary School
Rank: #256 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 85% | Reading: 81%) - Parkside Elementary School
Rank: #421 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80% | Reading: 77%) - Morrisville Elementary School
Rank: #433 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 79% | Reading: 77%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Morrisville, NC Schools
Rank: #44.
47%
(15 out of 32)
(15 out of 32)
Rank: #55.
41%
(9 out of 22)
(9 out of 22)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
40%
(6 out of 15)
(6 out of 15)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
40%
(4 out of 10)
(4 out of 10)
- Holly Springs Elementary School
Rank: #305 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 83% | Reading: 80%) - Holly Springs High School
Rank: #345 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 77% | Reading: 85%) - Holly Ridge Elementary School
Rank: #363 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Holly Springs, NC Schools
Rank: #88.
31%
(4 out of 13)
(4 out of 13)
Rank: #99.
26%
(6 out of 23)
(6 out of 23)
Rank: #1010.
21%
(3 out of 14)
(3 out of 14)
- Hendersonville High School
Rank: #313 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 75-79%) - Hendersonville Elementary School
Rank: #345 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%) - West Henderson High School
Rank: #531 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%) - View Full List of Top Ranked Hendersonville, NC Schools
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.