Top 10 STEM High Schools in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, NC

Discover North Carolina‘s Top Public High Schools

If you’re searching for the top public high schools in North Carolina, look no further. According to data collected by Niche, an organization specializing in K-12 school and college rankings, nine of the 20 highest-performing schools in the state are nestled in the Triangle area. This comprehensive analysis is based on a variety of factors, including academics, culture, diversity, and extracurricular activities. To delve into the details, you can visit the Niche website.

Understanding Charter and Magnet Schools

The list of top public high schools also includes charter and magnet schools. But what are these types of schools, and how do they differ from traditional public schools? Charter schools, authorized by the NC Department of Public Instruction, are independently-operated public schools. On the other hand, magnet schools, such as those highlighted by National School Choice Week, offer specialized education tracks, like STEM or performing arts, at no cost to families.

A Closer Look at Top-Ranked Schools in the Triangle

The Triangle area is home to several high-performing schools. Let’s take a closer look at some of these institutions and what sets them apart.

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics: The Top School in the State

Ranked as the best public high school in North Carolina, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics offers a unique experience for 11th and 12th-grade students. This residential school, located in Durham, is highly selective, requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores, teacher evaluations, and transcripts. Moreover, prospective students must take the NCSSM math assessment. If accepted, students won’t have to pay for tuition, meals, or room/board. The school also offers online dual-enrollment courses and summer programs.

Raleigh Charter High School: A Top Public Charter School

Coming in at number three, Raleigh Charter High School shines with its impressive student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and high proficiency rates in math (90%) and reading (95%). In addition to being one of the top public high schools in the state, it’s also ranked as the best charter high school and third-best college prep public high school in North Carolina.

Green Level High School: A High Achiever in Cary

Green Level High School in Cary secures the fourth spot with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1. With 94% of students proficient in math and 87% in reading, it’s no surprise that this traditional public school ranks highly. It also sits at number 44 for the best high schools for STEM in the state and number 96 for the most diverse public high schools in North Carolina.

Wake Early College of Health & Sciences: A High-Performing Magnet School

Ranked fifth, Wake Early College of Health & Sciences is a standout magnet school in Raleigh. With 338 students in grades 9-12 and a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1, the school also boasts high proficiency rates in both math (92%) and reading (95%).

More Top Schools in the Triangle

Other top-performing schools in the Triangle include Panther Creek High School (No. 11), Green Hope High School (No.12), William G. Enloe High School (No. 13), Wake STEM Early College High School (No. 19), and Woods Charter School (No. 20). For detailed information about each of these schools, including Niche grades and contact information, visit the corresponding Niche school profile links.