For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 2,140 students in 27603, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC are The Exploris School, Vance Elementary School and Banks Road Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 27603 have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 27603, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27603, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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
Gr: K-8 | 448 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #22.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 651 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27603, NC include The Exploris School, Vance Elementary School and Banks Road Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 27603?
4 public elementary schools are located in 27603.
What is the racial composition of students in 27603?
27603 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less 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.