For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,878 students in 27603, NC (there are , serving 1,543 private students). 65% of all K-12 students in 27603, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 27603, NC are Vernon Malone College And Career Academy, Longleaf School Of The Arts and The Exploris School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27603 have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27603, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27603, NC Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Vernon Malone College And Career Academy
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2200 S Wilmington St
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 856-8119
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 856-8119
Grades: 9-13
| 347 students
Rank: #22.
Longleaf School Of The Arts
Charter School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
322 Chapanoke Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Grades: 9-12
| 426 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: K-8
| 450 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 415 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 719 students
Rank: #66.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 521 students
Rank: n/an/a
Longleaf School Of The Arts Rca
Charter School
322 Chapanoke Road
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 896-8164
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
27603, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Spring Hill Sch, Dorothea Dix Hosp (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
2104 Umstead Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 733-5545
Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 733-5545
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 27603, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 27603, NC include Vernon Malone College And Career Academy, Longleaf School Of The Arts and The Exploris School.
How many public schools are located in 27603?
7 public schools are located in 27603.
What percentage of students in 27603 go to public school?
65% of all K-12 students in 27603 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27603?
27603 public schools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.