K-12 Schools

Public Schools

The City of Raleigh is part of the Wake County Public School System one of the top performing large systems in the nation. Within Raleigh, there are 52 elementary schools (Grades K-5), 16 middle schools (Grades 6-8) and 9 high schools (grades 9-12). Wake County public schools offer both a traditional and year-round calendar, as well as magnet programs that offer various additional innovative approaches to learning.

Private and Charter Schools

With more than 30 private schools in Raleigh alone, parents that don’t want to go the public education route have plenty of great options. Ranging in size from 12 to 1200, and including some of the top performing schools in the nation, finding the one that’s exactly right for your student may be your most difficult task.

Charter schools aren’t private. They’re actually public schools that aren’t affiliated with the local public school system. Accredited and supervised by the State of North Carolina, these schools are designed to be flexible and encourage innovation in education. There are currently nine charter schools within Raleigh’s city limits.