For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,922 students in 27701, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 603 private students). 89% of all K-12 students in 27701, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27701, NC are Durham School Of The Arts, George Watts Elementary School and Central Park School For Children. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27701 have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27701, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27701, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Durham School Of The Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 North Duke Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3926
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3926
Gr: 6-12 | 1,764 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #22.
George Watts Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
700 Watts Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3947
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3947
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Central Park School For Children
Charter School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
724 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-1200
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-1200
Gr: K-8 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Durham Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
807 West Chapel Hill Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 956-5599
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 956-5599
Gr: K-10 | 1,010 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #55.
Burton Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1500 Mathison Avenue
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3908
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3908
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
Global Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
311 Dowd St
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5903
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5903
Gr: K-8 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #77.
Eastway Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
610 North Alston Avenue
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3910
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-3910
Gr: PK-5 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #88.
Kipp Durham College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1107 Holloway Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 973-0285
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 973-0285
Gr: K-8 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27701, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27701, NC include Durham School Of The Arts, George Watts Elementary School and Central Park School For Children.
How many public schools are located in 27701?
8 public schools are located in 27701.
What percentage of students in 27701 go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in 27701 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27701?
27701 public schools minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.