2020 Best Schools in Durham CountyAbout this List

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• 11-12
• 39 reviews

Alum: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, or NCSSM as is called by alumni and students who currently attend, is an excellent boarding school in terms of the opportunity it presents young residents of North Carolina who truly want to challenge themselves and want an experience outside of what they know. Although it is a STEM school, it has an amazing Humanities/Arts department as well, that paired with the amazing faculty and staff is truly a knockout! They have amazing resources and tools that students can use for college prep and general hobby exploration, there are 100+ clubs on the campus, and their counseling department/clinic is always made readily available; its amazing that there's no payment to be made on the students part as well.
Read 39 Reviews

• A+

• 680 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Durham Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• PK, K-12
• 80 reviews

Works Here: Durham Academy is an amazing place for students, parents and teachers . The academic load for teachers is very reasonable, the number of students per classroom is very low. This allows for teachers to spend more one on one time with students. The advisories are amazing ! Teachers are able to teach human values and develop students character in a positive environment. There are a lot of opportunities for professional development, including trainings at the Hill Center, scholarships for PhDs and Master’s degrees.
Recommend this place 100 %
Read 80 Reviews

• A+

• 1,227 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Research Triangle High School

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• 9-12
• 37 reviews

Parent: We love the atmosphere of this school, the teachers are fun but also serious about teaching and learning. Expectations are high and students work hard but they don't have tons of homework, and many classes have lots of hands-on activities. We love the personalized learning method, students can move ahead quickly if they have already mastered the material - so much better than spending hours bored in class while the teacher goes over something you already know! It's a little confusing to understand how the grading works at first, but it's worth the hassle. We're so glad we took a chance and tried something different.
Read 37 Reviews

• A+

• 507 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Camelot Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 2 reviews

Sophomore: i have gone here for a year and love it thelma is one of those teachers that is like a grandma she treats every kid as if there her own she only hires the best teachers the school offers hands on activitys oh and your kids will definitely be safe here tbh i can get annoyed with all the rules for my safety also the other review about thema being racist is complete BS thelma is no wear near racist that is just an entitled parent love this school would send my own kids to it
Read 2 Reviews

• A+

• 124 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 49 reviews

Senior: I have attended Trinity School since Kindergarten and it has truly been a place where I have been shaped and changed for the better. At Trinity, you find a community that know you well and cares about you deeply. Walking around the hallways, everyone knows your names and you don't feel left out or excluded from the community. Trinity's motto is to be a "rich and unhurried" curriculum which is very countercultural from most public schools, but provides students with a deeper desire to "love learning" and not just feel rushed to finish their education. If I were to change anything about Trinity, I would extend their campus to include more buildings and educational spaces as well as a football and track facilities. I also wish Trinity focuses more on Diversity and inclusion of more groups of people, which would contribute to the overall education and experience of the student body.
Read 49 Reviews

• A

• 521 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Durham School of the Arts

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-12
• 225 reviews

Senior: This is my 7th year at Durham School of the Arts. There isn't enough space to capture all the respect and love I have for this school or that of my peers. We've all grown together as a family. The art classes are rigorous but in the end, it all pays off via professional productions, artwork, writing, etc. by dedicated, talented students who’ve been crafting their talent for years. Most of the students and instructors are uplifting and engaged, and the academics prepare you well for college. The teachers are very understanding and go out of their way to help. Creatives thrive, as opportunities to put oneself out there and learn about careers are easily accessible. I didn’t give a 5 because like any other school, DSA isn't perfect. Academic rigor can stress students out and promote intense academic competition. However, it’s still an amazing school that produces well-rounded students who are ready to face the world head-on, whether that be through academic or creative approaches.
Read 225 Reviews

• A

• 1,711 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Central Park School for Children

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• K-8
• 1 review

• A

• 544 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cresset Christian Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• PK, K-12
• 40 reviews

Parent: This is an amazing school with teachers that care. They focus on what your child strengths are and build a desire to learn. It is truly a family atmosphere and my kids are safe. We tried public school in Durham and it was very bad. The religious aspect helps them with moral values and a healthy base. The most important thing to me is my kids are happy and learning. I highly recommend you take a look at this school. Tim Blancett
Read 40 Reviews

• A

• 242 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

City of Medicine Academy

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 190 reviews

Senior: City of Medicine Academy is a small, diverse and friendly environment that allows students to gain more social and communication skills. The overload with work prepares you for the "College Life." Better yet, it assist with time management, especially if your involved in the great clubs they offer. This health science school, exposes students to different many careers that aren't common known. Most teachers are understanding and patience with students who may struggle with education or out-side of school issues.
City of Medicine Academy is a excellent school to attend, to get a head start on your career!
Read 190 Reviews

• A-

• 324 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

J.D. Clement Early College High School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 180 reviews

Senior: J D Clement Early College High School is a successful dual enrollment program. As a student, I am able to complete all of my high school courses at an accelerated rate. This allows the opportunity for each and every student to get college credits in order to transfer to other colleges or remain at the university it is based in. The program does, however, have some strict rules and restrictions. When the rules and standards are met and kept, this school allows for each and every one of its students to prosper and have an early start in his and/or her careers. Overall, this program has saved my family and I lots of money and I am proud to say that I have been an EAGLE!
Read 180 Reviews

• A-

• 366 Students
• 25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Voyager Academy

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 115 reviews

Senior: The education and athletics are good. The school is smalls o it makes it better for 1v1. The student to teacher ratio is better than traditional schools which is more beneficial when trying to learn, understand, and grasp subjects.
Read 115 Reviews

• A-

• 1,348 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Middle College High School at DTCC

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 11-12
• 64 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior at Middle College High School at DTCC and I simply adore this school. Middle College has allowed me to flourish academically. When I graduate high school, I will have my associates degree as well. The students at Middle College also do not pay for their college class or books.This means, a student can get two years of college for free. Getting two years of college for free can drastically change how much money you will have to pay for student loans. This school is also great because each student can figure out how many college classes they want to take a semester and what they want to take. Going to Middle College has allowed me to figure out what I truly want to do with my life and what college I want to go to. Though I wish there was better communication between Middle College staff and the students, I would not change anything about this school. I love Middle College High School and hope many more students apply and take advantage of this lovely program.
Read 64 Reviews

• A-

• 161 Students
• 29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Morehead Montessori School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 262 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakewood Montessori Middle School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-8

• B+

• 295 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mangum Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5
• 1 review

Parent: We have two boys in mangum. The classroom teachers have been excellent each year, and the specials ( Art, Music, PE, Technology)) teachers are also amazing. We've had some surprisingly awesome conversations over dinner discussing various artists and their contributions. The principal and staff are also great. They all seem to know all the kids and make school very welcoming.
Read 1 Review

• B+

• 307 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pearsontown Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 831 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Liberty Christian School

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 10 reviews

Junior: I am currently a junior in high school at Liberty, and I believe if you want a good Christian education you should attend here. Yes, there is a uniform and yes, they are kind of strict, but I believe if your child is willing to overlook that this school is an amazing place. The teachers are very personal and want the best for you. The teachers will work hard to help you accomplish your goals. The principle is kind and patient ,and he will listen to anything you have to say, whether it's an idea you have or a problem. Take it from someone who has been here for twelve years, I love this school and the people that are in it. I would not want to go anywhere else (believe me I tried), but this school is my home and I would not want it any other way.
Read 10 Reviews

• B+

• 241 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jordan High School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 304 reviews

Senior: Jordan High School offers a very diverse experience. Overall, I would describe it as average. I have had a very good experience with advanced-level classes, and most of the teachers I have had seem enthusiastic about their job. The musical theatre program is amazing, and the baseball team is usually very successful.
Read 304 Reviews

• B+

• 1,978 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rogers-Herr Middle School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-8
• 5 reviews

• B

• 633 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George Watts Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• B

• 408 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Easley Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5

• B

• 565 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Forest View Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5

• B

• 737 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Creekside Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5
• 1 review

Alum: It is very diverse with a great PTA and programs like AIG for advance students to move up and a before and after school program for kids who need to come in later or stay after.
Read 1 Review

• B

• 889 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Riverside High School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 243 reviews

Alum: The staff and administration at Riverside is amazing. They do a very good job of connecting and sharing information with students. I would like to see more college advisors, possibly five or six. The current college advisor at Riverside is great and has helped me in the past, but with a senior class of over 400 students, more than one college advisor would have been very beneficial. I shared with my advisor my questions and concerns about college, and eventually came to think of her as a close friend I could share anything with. The relationship between advisor and student is important, and more college advisors would mean more personal connections and one-on-one time to prepare for the transition from high school to college.
Read 243 Reviews

• B

• 1,827 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Little River Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-7

• B

• 496 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio