For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 5,866 students in 27703, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 301 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in 27703, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27703, NC are R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27703 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27703, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27703, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
R N Harris Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1520 Cooper Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Spring Valley Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2051 Northern Durham Prky
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Gr: PK-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Research Triangle Charter
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2418 Ellis Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Gr: K-8 | 710 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Durham's Performance Learning Center
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
401 North Driver Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-9190
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-9190
Gr: 9-12 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Oak Grove Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3810 Wake Forest Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Gr: PK-5 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
The Institute Development Young Leaders
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4300 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Gr: K-8 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #77.
Maureen Joy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
107 South Driver Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Gr: K-8 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #88.
Southern School Of Energy And Sustainabi
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
800 Clayton Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3968
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3968
Gr: 9-12 | 1,384 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #99.
Bethesda Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2009 S Miami Boulevard
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #1010.
Reaching All Minds Academy
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2703 Holloway St.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Gr: K-8 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1111.
Y E Smith Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2410 E Main Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: n/an/a
Holton Career And Resource Center
Vocational School
401 North Driver St
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2219
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2219
Gr: 9-12
Rank: n/an/a
1637 Lawson Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 536-7203
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 536-7203
Gr: 11-13 | 158 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27703, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27703, NC include R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter.
How many public schools are located in 27703?
14 public schools are located in 27703.
What percentage of students in 27703 go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in 27703 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27703?
27703 public schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
