- #1 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaNorth Carolina School of Science and MathematicsDurham, NC·Public School·11-12·Rating 4.45 out of 5 181 reviewsSenior: NCSSM is perfect for students that do as the motto states: those who "accept the greater challenge." It is overwhelming and difficult-- every year, 300 juniors from across North Carolina are pulled from their home schools and live residentially, away from their parents and homes, with students with incredibly diverse backgrounds. You learn, in addition to your coursework, how to coexist. You learn about the vastly different experiences of your peers and intellectual equals (my closest friends are from rural areas, whereas I am from suburbian purgatory). You learn to take care of yourself alongside your academics. But it is worth it, if you make it in. You walk out with so much respect and love for the family of peers you find. Your mind opens, your viewpoints change. This is a life-changing experience, and it comes with its drawbacks and difficulties. But it is, forever and always, worth it to me because of the new way I see the world now. Go Unicorns (and Morganton Dragons!)... Read 181 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 976Student-teacher ratio 8:1#1 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.North Carolina School of Science and MathematicsBlue checkmark.Public School,DURHAM, NC,11-12,181 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Senior says NCSSM is perfect for students that do as the motto states: those who "accept the greater challenge." It is overwhelming and difficult-- every year, 300 juniors from across North Carolina are pulled....Read 181 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 976,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- #2 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaRaleigh Charter High SchoolRaleigh, NC·Public School·9-12·Rating 4.49 out of 5 204 reviewsSenior: I loved Raleigh Charter. Teachers are, for the most part, amazing. You can clearly see how qualified they are, and how much they care about their students. The environment makes learning a bit more entertaining. Although facilities aren't the most kept, the people and community at RCHS are what make it so great.... Read 204 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 564Student-teacher ratio 13:1#2 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Raleigh Charter High SchoolPublic School,RALEIGH, NC,9-12,204 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I loved Raleigh Charter. Teachers are, for the most part, amazing. You can clearly see how qualified they are, and how much they care about their students. The environment makes learning a bit more....Read 204 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 564,Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
- #3 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaGreen Level High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.36 out of 5 58 reviewsAlum: When I joined Green Level High School I was an incoming sophom*ore who had just moved from India. I was welcomed in by the students and faculty with warm and open hands. Throughout the years I was there, a vast network of clubs and activities were set up. My class was the first graduating class from Green Level so there were things that the staff learned from us to improve the experience of other incoming students. I was on the varsity tennis and basketball team through my years there for which I had feedback that hopefully reflected in change. Our basketball team went through coach changes- which do happen- but you never expect it to happen at the end of the first year of the school's operation. My tennis team's coach was the parent of one of the athletes on the team and I think that caused an imbalance on the team when a player that was better than their child got a spot on the team. Overall, I suggested that we have unbiased coaches so that this incident would not happen again.... Read 58 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,052Student-teacher ratio 20:1#3 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Green Level High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,58 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says When I joined Green Level High School I was an incoming sophom*ore who had just moved from India. I was welcomed in by the students and faculty with warm and open hands. Throughout the years I was....Read 58 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,052,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- SponsoredCharter SchoolLongleaf School of the ArtsPublic School·RALEIGH, NC·9-12·Rating 4.09 out of 5 34SponsoredCharter SchoolThe Math and Science Academy of ApexPublic School·APEX, NC·K-6·Rating 3.56 out of 5 16SponsoredChristian SchoolFriendship Christian SchoolPrivate School·RALEIGH, NC·PK, K-12·Rating 4.23 out of 5 57
- #5 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaPanther Creek High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.92 out of 5 574 reviewsAlum: Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC, is a top-notch educational institution known for its excellent academic programs and supportive environment. The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, allowing students to challenge themselves and prepare for college. The dedicated faculty and staff are committed to student success, providing personalized attention and fostering a positive learning atmosphere.In addition to academics, Panther Creek High School boasts a strong athletics program with numerous sports teams that excel in regional and state competitions. The school's facilities are modern and well-maintained, offering students access to state-of-the-art technology and resources. Extracurricular activities are abundant, with a variety of clubs and organizations that cater to diverse interests. Whether students are interested in the arts, sciences, or community service, there's something for everyone.... Read 574 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,435Student-teacher ratio 20:1#5 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Panther Creek High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,574 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC, is a top-notch educational institution known for its excellent academic programs and supportive environment. The school offers a wide range of Advanced...In addition to academics, Panther Creek High School boasts a strong athletics program with numerous sports teams that excel in regional and state competitions. The school's facilities are modern and....Read 574 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,435,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- #6 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaGreen Hope High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.94 out of 5 519 reviewsAlum: Attending Green Hope was a wonderful experience! Was very diverse, with a wide variety of courses that adequately prepared me for college. In addition the sport and extracurricular opportunities were wonderful.... Read 519 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,001Student-teacher ratio 20:1#6 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Green Hope High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,519 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Attending Green Hope was a wonderful experience! Was very diverse, with a wide variety of courses that adequately prepared me for college. In addition the sport and extracurricular opportunities were....Read 519 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,001,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- #7 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWilliam G. Enloe High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.77 out of 5 766 reviewsSenior: Enloe High School is an extremely competitive school. It is filled with various opportunities for students who are willing to work hard. A person can get behind very quickly due to the hyper competitive nature of the school. It offers courses such as Calculus 3, Differential Equations, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism that many other schools do not offer.... Read 766 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,502Student-teacher ratio 17:1#7 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.William G. Enloe High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,766 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Enloe High School is an extremely competitive school. It is filled with various opportunities for students who are willing to work hard. A person can get behind very quickly due to the hyper....Read 766 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,502,Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
- #8 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWake STEM Early College High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.09 out of 5 53 reviewsJunior: Honestly, I love Wake STEM. It was my dream school for years, and after being here for 2.5 years, it did not disappoint. The staff is absolutely amazing, and the students and general culture is just... wow. I will say that if you are looking to apply, be prepared to have (1) no say in what classes you take until junior/senior year and (2) almost exclusively take AP courses.... Read 53 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 282Student-teacher ratio 16:1#8 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Wake STEM Early College High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,53 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Honestly, I love Wake STEM. It was my dream school for years, and after being here for 2.5 years, it did not disappoint. The staff is absolutely amazing, and the students and general culture is....Read 53 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 282,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #9 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWoods Charter SchoolChapel Hill, NC·Public School·K-12·Rating 4.02 out of 5 57 reviewsSenior: I have had a generally good experience at Woods Charter School. They have strong academic programs, particularly in the maths and sciences. I would like to see more options for humanities courses, more sports programs, and greater diversity in the school. There is also a bit of a lack of school spirit.... Read 57 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 508Student-teacher ratio 9:1#9 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Woods Charter SchoolPublic School,CHAPEL HILL, NC,K-12,57 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I have had a generally good experience at Woods Charter School. They have strong academic programs, particularly in the maths and sciences. I would like to see more options for humanities courses,....Read 57 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 508,Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
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- #10 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaJohnston County Early College AcademyJohnston County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.39 out of 5 121 reviewsAlum: Best part about attending Johnston county Early College Academy was the small class sizes and the supportive staff and faculty at the school. The only downside is that there’s no sports at the school but the academics make up for that.... Read 121 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 281Student-teacher ratio 28:1#10 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Johnston County Early College AcademyJohnston County Schools, NC,9-12,121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Best part about attending Johnston county Early College Academy was the small class sizes and the supportive staff and faculty at the school. The only downside is that there’s no sports at the school....Read 121 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 281,Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
- #11 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaChapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.7 out of 5 264 reviewsJunior: Best: excellent for college preparedness, rigor of advanced classes, teacher support and respect for students, communityWorst: not much! Great school. Disappointed the decision has been made to move to block scheduling for Fall 2025Change: Reverse the decision to move to block scheduling. It's not popular among students and potentially leaves at risk students behind on core subject areas.... Read 264 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,597Student-teacher ratio 16:1#11 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC,9-12,264 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Best: excellent for college preparedness, rigor of advanced classes, teacher support and respect for students, communityWorst: not much! Great school. Disappointed the decision has been made to move to block scheduling for Fall 2025Change: Reverse the decision to move to block scheduling. It's not popular among students and potentially leaves at risk students behind on core subject areas..Read 264 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,597,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #12 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaEast Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.73 out of 5 309 reviewsAlum: I love how diverse East is; there are so many different types of people who come from so many different backgrounds. There is also a lot of room to express yourself. East has over one hundred clubs and if you pitch an idea, you can most likely make it happen. You can host events, put up flyers, talk to different teachers and peers. Something I would like to see change is the competitive nature of the students. Everyone is trying to cram their schedules with AP classes, trying to be the best at every subject, to the point where it interferes with the students' personal life and mental health.... Read 309 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,447Student-teacher ratio 16:1#12 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.East Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC,9-12,309 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Alum says I love how diverse East is; there are so many different types of people who come from so many different backgrounds. There is also a lot of room to express yourself. East has over one hundred clubs....Read 309 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,447,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #13 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaResearch Triangle High SchoolDurham, NC·Public School·9-12·Rating 3.97 out of 5 64 reviewsParent: We have been very pleased with the school and the teachers. They really help the kids in any way they can and really care about them. There is nothing I would change.... Read 64 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 582Student-teacher ratio 15:1#13 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Research Triangle High SchoolPublic School,DURHAM, NC,9-12,64 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Parent says We have been very pleased with the school and the teachers. They really help the kids in any way they can and really care about them. There is nothing I would change..Read 64 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 582,Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
- #14 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaGranville Early College High SchoolGranville County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.09 out of 5 94 reviewsSenior: What I loved about attending Granville Early College was the college readiness and how helpful the administrators and staff were. With the class sizes being relatively smaller than your average public school, I was able to connect more with my teachers and felt much more comfortable at asking questions and receiving feedback for my academic work. What I loved most was that everyone was ready to learn and mostly everyone in my class wanted to pursue a higher education, so I always felt motivated and excited coming to classes every single day. I do admit, it was very stressful at times, especially with my college classes. Yet, this was expected as the school is a dual enrollment school. Tutors and endless help was always offered, so I always stayed on top of things. The staff made you feel loved and appreciated, I never had any troubles or problems with faculty or students as we all got along. I wouldn't want to see anything changed, I love my school as is. I wouldn't want it to change.... Read 94 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 224Student-teacher ratio 28:1#14 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Granville Early College High SchoolGranville County Schools, NC,9-12,94 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Senior says What I loved about attending Granville Early College was the college readiness and how helpful the administrators and staff were. With the class sizes being relatively smaller than your average....Read 94 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 224,Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
- #15 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaApex High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.77 out of 5 469 reviewsAlum: Most of the teachers are nice/helpful, but some are very poorly vetted and we’ve had some teachers and subs who have acted inappropriately. Apex High offers so many clubs and extracurriculars, there’s something for everyone. The cleanliness and upkeep of the bathrooms leaves something to be desired. The curriculums are decently good at helping us learn and prepare for life after school.... Read 469 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 2,500Student-teacher ratio 20:1#15 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Apex High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,469 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Most of the teachers are nice/helpful, but some are very poorly vetted and we’ve had some teachers and subs who have acted inappropriately. Apex High offers so many clubs and extracurriculars,....Read 469 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 2,500,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- #16 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaHeritage High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.15 out of 5 340 reviewsSenior: At Heritage High School, one can gain a lot of experience. It can be from clubs, teachers sports, and more it just varies on your interests. Heritage High has diversity but not as much as other schools, which could change. The teachers here have either been amazing or terrible and there is no in-between. This is good though because both can be used to impact you in positive ways and that's one thing that shouldn't change.... Read 340 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,811Student-teacher ratio 18:1#16 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Heritage High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,340 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Senior says At Heritage High School, one can gain a lot of experience. It can be from clubs, teachers sports, and more it just varies on your interests. Heritage High has diversity but not as much as other....Read 340 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,811,Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
- #17 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaMiddle College High School at DTCCDurham Public Schools, NC·11-12·Rating 4.08 out of 5 85 reviewsSenior: The best part of my experience at Middle College High School at DTCC is that me and my fellow classmates are treated with respect, kindness, and equality among other college students, even though we may still be in high school. I am not only able to utilize all the amenities that a usual community college campus provides and earn extra credits toward an associates degree, but am given the responsibility and freedom that a college student would be given. I couldn’t ask for nicer and more supportive staff. I do not think I have ever had any bad experiences during my time at MCHS and I cannot think of anything that needs to be changed, taken away, or added.... Read 85 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 106Student-teacher ratio 18:1#17 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Middle College High School at DTCCBlue checkmark.Durham Public Schools, NC,11-12,85 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Senior says The best part of my experience at Middle College High School at DTCC is that me and my fellow classmates are treated with respect, kindness, and equality among other college students, even though we....Read 85 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 106,Student-Teacher Ratio: 18 to 1,
- #18 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaTMSA Triangle - Triangle Math and Science AcademyCary, NC·Public School·K-12·Rating 3.64 out of 5 53 reviewsJunior: Triangle math and science academy is a very solid charter school in the triangle area and deserves to be considered if you are a student looking to peruse an education in business, engineering, mathematics, or any other STEM subject. The school is great for preparing students for college and their careers by offering college level CTE courses from PLTW. If you are interested in DECA or FBLA, triangle math and science boasts top chapters in both of those competitions. The main waypoint of this school is its lack of resources and facilities as it is not even done being built as of right now. This can mostly be attributed to its small size which gives it the advantage of allowing every student to get to know everyone else and feel more at home compared to schools with 2,000+ students. Most of all however I love the way that TMSA allows its students to take ownership of what they do both in their classes, their clubs, and other programs such as Leader In Me.... Read 53 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,328Student-teacher ratio 17:1#18 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.TMSA Triangle - Triangle Math and Science AcademyBlue checkmark.Public School,CARY, NC,K-12,53 Niche users give it an average review of 3.6 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Triangle math and science academy is a very solid charter school in the triangle area and deserves to be considered if you are a student looking to peruse an education in business, engineering,....Read 53 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,328,Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
- #19 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaCity of Medicine AcademyDurham Public Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.83 out of 5 210 reviewsJunior: City of Medicine Academy is certainly not your typical high school! Though, in my opinion, CMA is a great choice for motivated students, specifically those with professional interests in the medical field! CMA does a great job ensuring you're caught up with your general education requirements for graduation, while heavily implementing a healthcare curriculum into your schedule with courses like Health Science, Foundations of Nursing, and EMT! CMA is also heavily encouraging students to take college coursework at our local community college, Durham Tech! They even provide transportation to and from the college. The scrubs that we wear daily as a uniform are a fun touch as well! Students who aren't serious about their education, or medicine may find CMA's curriculum uninteresting, or unreasonably challenging, but that's a reflection of their own aspirations! P.S: CMA has *the best* science teachers that I've ever had the privilege to learn from!... Read 210 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 349Student-teacher ratio 16:1#19 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.City of Medicine AcademyBlue checkmark.Durham Public Schools, NC,9-12,210 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.Featured Review: Junior says City of Medicine Academy is certainly not your typical high school! Though, in my opinion, CMA is a great choice for motivated students, specifically those with professional interests in the medical....Read 210 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 349,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #20 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaFranklin County Early CollegeFranklin County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4 out of 5 38 reviewsAlum: It was a good school education wise, especially on the college side. It's worth the time and the fact that you're able to graduate with an Associate's is very rewarding and beneficial for the future.... Read 38 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 179Student-teacher ratio 26:1#20 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Franklin County Early CollegeFranklin County Schools, NC,9-12,38 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says It was a good school education wise, especially on the college side. It's worth the time and the fact that you're able to graduate with an Associate's is very rewarding and beneficial for the future..Read 38 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 179,Student-Teacher Ratio: 26 to 1,
- #21 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaApex Friendship High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.23 out of 5 198 reviewsSenior: I had a wonderful experience at Apex Friendship High School. I was involved in performing arts and had exceptional teachers and experiences. Unfortunately, I have food allergies and those needs were not met in the school cafeteria.... Read 198 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 2,772Student-teacher ratio 21:1#21 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Apex Friendship High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,198 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I had a wonderful experience at Apex Friendship High School. I was involved in performing arts and had exceptional teachers and experiences. Unfortunately, I have food allergies and those needs were....Read 198 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 2,772,Student-Teacher Ratio: 21 to 1,
- #22 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaCarrboro High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.94 out of 5 231 reviewsSenior: With my experience at Carrboro High School as a now rising senior, I see growth in myself in many different aspects after being a part of the Carrboro community for many years now. I am truly grateful, however, for the shocking transition that I've faced when going into freshman year as I could only remember graduating sixth grade due to the pandemic blurring out the two remaining years of middle school, everyone seemed to care for others as I had many of the older kids - from when I was younger - help me out directing me to my classes and giving me a sense of what high school was like and what to expect by also giving a likable impression that made me feel safe and connected. Carrboro does an amazing job with diversity and representation as I am a part of the Spanish Honor Society Club, where I embrace my hispanic cultural roots of being Argentinian by sharing cuisine dishes, tradition, etc... Not only by these factors that help, but many others, such as doing after school activities.... Read 231 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 870Student-teacher ratio 16:1#22 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Carrboro High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC,9-12,231 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Senior says With my experience at Carrboro High School as a now rising senior, I see growth in myself in many different aspects after being a part of the Carrboro community for many years now. I am truly....Read 231 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 870,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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- #23 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaDurham School of the ArtsDurham Public Schools, NC·6-12·Rating 3.92 out of 5 283 reviewsSenior: I’ve been at DSA since the sixth grade. DSA held middle and high school. My best experiences at DSA were having different types of art classes every year. These included theatre class, visual arts, photography, band, orchestra, chorus and more. We had two pep rallies every year and the whole school would gather at the main gym and different art courses would showcase their talents. Such as the K-pop club, dance class, the basketball team, etc. Winter showcases were the best too! My orchestra class would play a piece in front of all high schoolers (middle schoolers had their own winter showcase). DSA was a school of diversity and held a variety of arts. My worst experience at DSA was seventh grade when a gas leak explosion occurred next to the middle school building on April 10, 2019. It was a terrifying experience and school didn’t feel the same the rest of that year. Unfortunately, two people died on that Wednesday morning. Definitely an unforgettable moment for me and my classmates.... Read 283 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,705Student-teacher ratio 15:1#23 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Durham School of the ArtsBlue checkmark.Durham Public Schools, NC,6-12,283 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I’ve been at DSA since the sixth grade. DSA held middle and high school. My best experiences at DSA were having different types of art classes every year. These included theatre class, visual arts,....Read 283 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,705,Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
- #24 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaFranklin AcademyWake Forest, NC·Public School·K-12·Rating 3.98 out of 5 247 reviewsAlum: As a recent graduate, I was at FA for all 13 years. It was very challenging from the start, and I can see in my younger siblings as well the stress that the school induces. However, the education we all received/are receiving is above the standard for public schools. I know I am set for college and a vast majority of my classmates are too. The variety of teachers keeps students on their toes and some are definitely more liked than others. But they all care about the students in different ways and looking back I can see this. I’m appreciative of the teachers I was taught by and the lessons I learned with them.The way certain subjects are taught makes it extremely stressful being an FA student, and at times it’s exceptionally boring.. The school spirit is also sort of nonexistent and the drama in the school genuinely spreads like wildfire. Staff and all students will know your drama if you have it.FA is a blessing and a curse.... Read 247 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,651Student-teacher ratio 14:1#24 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Franklin AcademyBlue checkmark.Public School,WAKE FOREST, NC,K-12,247 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says As a recent graduate, I was at FA for all 13 years. It was very challenging from the start, and I can see in my younger siblings as well the stress that the school induces. However, the education we...The variety of teachers keeps students on their toes and some are definitely more liked than others. But they all care about the students in different ways and looking back I can see this. I’m...The way certain subjects are taught makes it extremely stressful being an FA student, and at times it’s exceptionally boring.. The school spirit is also sort of nonexistent and the drama in the...FA is a blessing and a curse..Read 247 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,651,Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
- #25 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaAthens Drive High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.66 out of 5 371 reviewsJunior: Athens Drive isn't actually my base school, so coming here as a freshman was really scary since I knew I wouldn't know anyone, but I was immediately welcomed by my coaches, teachers, and my friends that I made along the way. I've learned a lot throughout my 3 years at Athens Drive and have always been impressed with the wide variety of courses that are available to be taken including many APs, pretty much every honors and academic course you can think of, and a ton of super fun electives with awesome teachers. I've been involved and on the board of multiple clubs like the Student Government and Key Club as well as being the captain of the Track and Cross Country teams which are all tight-knit groups, almost like a family. From day one I felt welcomed at Athens Drive and I am looking forward to my last year as a senior with hope and sadness because leaving such an amazing place will certainly be difficult.... Read 371 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 2,062Student-teacher ratio 16:1#25 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Athens Drive High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,371 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Athens Drive isn't actually my base school, so coming here as a freshman was really scary since I knew I wouldn't know anyone, but I was immediately welcomed by my coaches, teachers, and my friends....Read 371 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 2,062,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- SponsoredPrivate SchoolRaleigh Day SchoolPrivate School·RALEIGH, NC·PK, K-5·Rating 5 out of 5 12SponsoredAll-Girls SchoolSaint Mary's SchoolPrivate School·RALEIGH, NC·9-12·Rating 4.54 out of 5 39SponsoredCharter SchoolTMSA Triangle - Triangle Math and Science AcademyPublic School·CARY, NC·K-12·Rating 3.64 out of 5 53
FAQs
What is the best school district in Raleigh suburbs? ›
Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools consistently ranks as the top-performing public district in the entire state of North Carolina.
What is the #1 high school in NC? ›North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics.
What is the oldest high school in Raleigh NC? ›Needham B. Broughton High School was established in 1929 as Raleigh High School. It is the oldest high school in Raleigh still being used.
How do wake county schools rank nationally? ›Wake County Schools Rankings
- Best School Districts for Athletes in America. 280 of 10,346.
- Most Diverse School Districts in America. 583 of 11,549.
- Best School Districts in America. 760 of 10,932.
North Carolina's most expensive schools – Wake Forest University and Duke University – outpaced that as costs increased 42% and 39%, respectively, over the past decade. The total cost to attend WFU was $82,988; Duke was just behind that at $82,749.
What city in North Carolina has the best public schools? ›2024 Best school districts in North Carolina
- ▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.
- ▪ Union County Public Schools.
- ▪ Watauga County Schools.
- ▪ Newton-Conover City Schools.
- ▪ Mount Airy City Schools.
- ▪ Wake County Schools.
- ▪ Elkin City Schools.
- ▪ Mooresville Graded School District.
Jan 9, 2024
It's always been challenging to get into elite universities such as Duke and UNC. Here's why it may get even tougher. Duke University is the most selective school among higher education in North Carolina.
What is the largest high school in the state of North Carolina? ›Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools also operates the 3 largest high schools in the state of North Carolina; Myers Park High School has 3,539, Ardrey Kell High School has 3,494, and South Mecklenburg High School has 3,259 students.
What was the first public high school in NC? ›In 1907, Cary High School became the first state-funded public high school in North Carolina.
How many high schools are there in Raleigh? ›Wake County Schools contains 34 high schools. For personalized and effective admissions consulting,consider CollegeAdvisor.com. Get one-on-one advising on your essays, application strategy, and extracurricular profile to help you gain acceptance to your dream colleges.
Which county in NC has the best school system? ›
8 Best School Districts in North Carolina: Which One Is Best for Your Family?
- Chapel Hill - Carrboro.
- Asheville City.
- Wake County.
- Gaston County.
- Pitt County.
- Mecklenburg County.
- Johnston County.
- Union County.
Wake County Public Schools
WCPSS is the largest school district in North Carolina, and also one of the top-performing large districts in the nation.
2024 Best school districts in North Carolina
- ▪ Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools.
- ▪ Union County Public Schools.
- ▪ Watauga County Schools.
- ▪ Newton-Conover City Schools.
- ▪ Mount Airy City Schools.
- ▪ Wake County Schools.
- ▪ Elkin City Schools.
- ▪ Mooresville Graded School District.
Jan 9, 2024
Report: Raleigh ranks 48th out of 50 large metros in public school quality.
Where does Raleigh rank in best places to live? ›Raleigh again ranks among the best cities to live and work by U.S. News and Milken. Raleigh continued its hot streak atop influential lists this year, ranking No. 6 on U.S. News' annual best places to live list and No. 2 on the Milken Institute's best-performing cities list.
What is the richest school district in North Carolina? ›Of active districts in North Carolina with at least 100 students, Wake County Schools – located in Wake County – ranks as the wealthiest.