Moving to a new city comes with its fair share of challenges. From finding the best local restaurants to locating the nearest grocery store, it can feel like there’s a lot to navigate. But one of the most important decisions for families moving with kids is choosing the right school district.
While we can’t guide you to the freshest produce, we’ve got you covered on this crucial step. We’ve put together a list of some of the top school districts in Raleigh, North Carolina, so you can feel confident about your children’s education. From the best high schools in Raleigh to the highest-rated elementary school programs, we’ve got you covered. Once you’ve crossed that off your moving checklist, be sure to explore all of the fun, family-friendly activities in Raleigh that go beyond the classroom!
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a School District
“Data points don’t tell the whole story about a school. Look over the websites of individual schools and the school district to learn more about their educational priorities and successes. You should also browse the website of a school’s parent and teacher organization, such as a PTA or PTO. These pages may give you a better sense of the parental involvement in the school, which is often an asset.”
-Key Bank
Searching for a school district to settle into can be challenging, and there are many aspects to consider. Although we’ll be highlighting the best schools in Raleigh, it’s important to consider what is important for you and your family. Academic programs, extracurriculars, school sports, and test performance are all factors to be mindful of. If your students need extra academic support, look into AP and gifted programs or resources for students with learning disabilities. Additionally, if dual enrollment programs with area colleges are important to your family, make sure the district you choose can accommodate that.
Here are some other things to consider:
- Academic Performance – Look for schools with strong test scores, high graduation rates, and proficiency in core subjects like math and reading.
- Curriculum and Extracurriculars – Consider schools offering advanced courses, specialized programs (STEM, arts, etc.), and after-school activities for your child’s interests.
- Teacher Quality – Check teacher qualifications, student-to-teacher ratios, and retention rates to ensure a supportive learning environment.
- School Safety – Research the school’s safety policies, bullying prevention measures, and emotional support programs for students.
- Diversity and Inclusion – Ensure the school has a diverse student body and inclusive programs, especially for special education and gifted students.
- Location and Commute – Choose a school close to your home or work with convenient transportation options and suitable hours.
- Community Involvement – Look for schools with active parent involvement, volunteer opportunities, and a positive reputation in the local community.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, just under 30 miles from Raleigh. It is consistently ranked as one of the best school districts in North Carolina–and it is currently sitting at the top of the list! The test performance, graduation rates, and SAT/ACT scores of its students all play a part in its excellent reputation.
School Stats
- 21 schools in the district to choose from
- 10 preschools
- 12 elementary schools
- 5 middle schools
- 5 high schools
- 11,561 students
- 13:1 student-teacher ratio
- 69% of students are at least proficient in math and 70% in reading
- Diverse student population, with 50% of students being from minority backgrounds
School Spotlight: Seawell Elementary School
Seawell Elementary is part of the CHCCS district and serves just under 500 students. It is rated the third-best public elementary school in North Carolina and the second-best elementary school in Raleigh. Several clubs are available to students, including ArtzHub, which hosts weekly after-school art classes.
In addition, their award-winning Gear Shifters STEM program allows students to build working models with LEGO bricks and technic elements. Their LEAP initiative (Learning Environment for Advanced Programming) also provides gifted students with the resources they need to thrive academically.
Wake County Schools
Wake County Schools is a top-rated public school district located in Cary, NC, only 12 miles away from Raleigh. It is currently rated as the fourth-best school district in North Carolina and the best district for athletes in the state. It contains some of the best high schools in Raleigh, as well as highly rated teachers and academic programs.
School Stats
- 197 schools in the district to choose from
- 106 preschools
- 121 elementary schools
- 45 middle schools
- 34 high schools
- 159,778 students
- 15:1 student-teacher ratio
- 60% of students are at least proficient in math and 62% in reading
- Diverse student population, with 60% of students being from minority backgrounds
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School Spotlight: Davis Drive Middle School
Davis Drive Middle School is part of the Wake County district near Raleigh, NC, and serves just under 1,000 students. It is one of the best public middle schools in North Carolina. The academic programs here are excellent, and this is reflected in the proficiency of its students. 83% of students are proficient in reading, and 89% are proficient in math.
Compared to the district overall, these numbers are much higher, and a reflection of the highly-rated teachers that are employed here. This school also hosts many events and clubs for students and their families, including a crochet club, Mathcounts, and various sporting events.
Orange County Schools
The Orange County School District is located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, about 35 miles from Raleigh. Schools within this district are known for their inclusive clubs and activities, diversity, and college prep programs.
School Stats
- 13 schools in the district to choose from
- 7 preschools
- 7 elementary schools
- 3 middle schools
- 3 high schools
- 7,208 students
- 14:1 student-teacher ratio
- 46% of students are at least proficient in math and 49% in reading
- Diverse student population, with 50% of students being from minority backgrounds
School Spotlight: Cedar Ridge High School
Cedar Ridge High School is a part of the Orange County Schools district that serves 1,104 students in grades 9-12. Academically, Cedar Ridge is one of the best high schools in Raleigh. Students here have higher averages for proficiency in reading and math than in other schools in the district. 77% of students are proficient in math and 70% in reading.
CRHS is one of two comprehensive public high schools in Orange County and maintains a dual-enrollment relationship with local colleges. This means that students can take classes at area colleges for academic credit and experience. Additionally, they have 17 teachers who hold AP certification for students who wish to earn college credit through Advanced Placement courses.
Conclusion
Choosing the right school district is crucial when moving to a new city, and if you’re moving to Raleigh, you’ll have no shortage of options. Raleigh, North Carolina, has several top-tier districts that meet diverse educational needs. They support some of the best academic programs in North Carolina, as well as some of the best high schools in Raleigh.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools stand out for their strong academic performance. Wake County Schools offer excellent athletic programs and high school options. Orange County Schools provide great college prep and extracurricular activities. With so many quality choices, you can be confident your children will receive a solid education. Once you’re settled in, take time to enjoy all the fun, family-friendly activities Raleigh offers! It’s a great way to make your move an exciting adventure for the whole family.
FAQs
Some of the best school districts in Raleigh include Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, Wake County Schools, and Orange County Schools, each offering strong academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Check the school’s test scores and graduation rates. Also, look for advanced academic options such as AP courses, STEM programs, and extracurricular activities like clubs and competitions that align with your child’s interests. You can also check rankings and reviews from platforms like Niche or GreatSchools.
Yes! Schools like Cedar Ridge High School offer dual enrollment programs. This allows students to take college-level courses for credit while still in high school. This may vary by school, so make sure to check their website for more details.
Most school districts in Raleigh offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to academic clubs and creative arts programs. For instance, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools offers specialized programs like ArtzHub and STEM initiatives.
Aubrey graduated from UCLA in 2019 with dual degrees in English and Psychology, as well as receiving a concentration in Fiction Creative Writing. Her writing can be found at Locale Magazine, UCLA's MindWell pod, HerCampus, Westwind, and Bloody Donuts. Aubrey currently lives in Los Angeles with her orange tabby cat, Bowie, and spends her free time reading anything she can get her hands on and soaking up the golden California sun. You can find her hiking the Laguna trails, making jewelry, or exploring the local library.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
