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

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.