For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 4,202 students in 27703, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC are R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 27703 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 27703, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27703, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
R N Harris Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1520 Cooper Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3967
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #22.
Spring Valley Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2051 Northern Durham Prky
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-2890
Gr: PK-5 | 543 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #33.
Research Triangle Charter
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2418 Ellis Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Gr: K-8 | 710 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #44.
Oak Grove Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3810 Wake Forest Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3960
Gr: PK-5 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
The Institute Development Young Leaders
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4300 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Gr: K-8 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #66.
Maureen Joy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
107 South Driver Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Gr: K-8 | 631 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #77.
Bethesda Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2009 S Miami Boulevard
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3904
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #88.
Reaching All Minds Academy
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2703 Holloway St.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Gr: K-8 | 391 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #99.
Y E Smith Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2410 E Main Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3900
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27703, NC include R N Harris Elementary School, Spring Valley Elementary School and Research Triangle Charter.
How many public elementary schools are located in 27703?
9 public elementary schools are located in 27703.
What is the racial composition of students in 27703?
27703 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary 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.