For the 2025-26 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 7,695 students in 27516, NC (there are , serving 287 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in 27516, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 27516, NC are Chapel Hill High School, Woods Charter and Seawell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27516 have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27516, NC have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27516, NC Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chapel Hill High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 85%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9217 Seawell School Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-2106
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-2106
Gr: 9-12 | 1,638 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Woods Charter
Charter School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
160 Woodland Grove Ln
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Gr: K-12 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #33.
Seawell Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
9115 Seawell School Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-4343
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-4343
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #44.
Morris Grove Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
215 Eubanks Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-4800
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-4800
Gr: K-5 | 396 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #55.
Smith Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9201 Seawell School Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2145
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2145
Gr: 6-8 | 749 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
Mcdougle Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
890 Old Fayetteville Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-2435
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-2435
Gr: PK-5 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #77.
Scroggs Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
501 Kildaire Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-7165
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-7165
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #88.
Margaret B. Pollard Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
185 Granite Mill Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-0070
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-0070
Gr: 6-8 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #99.
Mcdougle Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
900 Old Fayetteville Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-1556
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-1556
Gr: 6-8 | 705 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1010.
Culbreth Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 Culbreth Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-7161
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-7161
Gr: 6-8 | 664 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1111.
Fpg Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Smith Level Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-6491
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-6491
Gr: PK-5 | 517 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #1212.
Phoenix Academy High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
750 S Merritt Mill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Gr: 8-12 | 21 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1313.
Northside Elementary School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
350 Caldwell St
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2220
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2220
Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: n/an/a
750 S Merritt Mill Rd, Chapel
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-8211
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-8211
Gr: 9-12 | 39 students Minority enrollment: 82%
27516, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
New Century Charter High School (Closed 2005)
Charter School
1315-a New Hope Trace
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-7722
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-7722
Gr: 9-12 | 106 students Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 27516, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 27516, NC include Chapel Hill High School, Woods Charter and Seawell Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 27516?
14 public schools are located in 27516.
What percentage of students in 27516 go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in 27516 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27516?
27516 public schools minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.