2019 Best Schools in Durham CountyAbout this List

Durham Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• PK, K-12
• 76

Senior: Everything about the school is great. The teachers truly care about helping to give students the best education possible, and every one is very knowledgeable about the subject or subjects they teach. The school places an impressive amount of effort into helping students to prepare for life in college, and there are a wide variety of resources available for students to use to help them with choosing the right school. The athletics are incredible; there have been dozens of state championships won, and each team has excellent coaches and facilities at their disposal. There are also daily food trucks, as well as the always-stocked school store. Attending Durham Academy has truly been an amazing experience.
Read 76 Reviews

• A+

• 1,231 Students
• 9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Durham School of the Arts

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-12
• 215

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 215 Reviews

• A+

• 1,639 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Research Triangle High School

• Public School
• Research Triangle Pk, NC
• 9-12
• 28

Senior: RTHS focuses on all aspects of education and student life, aspects of the school with which I have grown to love and greatly appreciate. I have learned how to effectively work and collaborate with people who have different backgrounds and views than my own. Because of small class sizes, I have had the opportunity to receive one-on-one teacher support both inside and outside the classroom. I have explored my interests both in class and in student life. Although RTHS is a STEM based school, participation in arts and athletics is also encouraged. Students are given opportunities to start clubs, and to pursue university and industry partnerships. My classes have been taught using a variety of instructional models and I have discovered how to learn and thrive in a variety of environments, both individually and collaboratively. Attending RTHS has been a truly wonderful experience encouraging learning and growth in education and student life. I am proud to call myself a RTHS raptor!
Read 28 Reviews

• A

• 454 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 47

Senior: I have been to Trinity my whole life and I have enjoyed my time here. Being at a small school allows you to make really deep friendships and allows you to interact with teachers on a more personal level. One thing I would change about Trinity is adding more kids to the highschool as it only has 169 students.
Read 47 Reviews

• A

• 521 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Camelot Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12

• A

• 124 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Cresset Christian Academy

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

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

J.D. Clement Early College High School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 171

Senior: My experience at J.D Clement Early College High School was been extremely amazing! It has great opportunities! For example, students are able to take FREE college courses. Additionally, students are always informed of scholarships, test improvement resources, and programs/internships. The environment is really small but it allows students to communicate advantageously with other classmates and teachers. There aren't any sports available at the school but students are allowed to play for their district schools. I took advantage of this opportunity and I was satisfied. Overall, any diligent and or intelligent student would definitely enjoy this school. It can be stressful at times, but the school is worth it.
Read 171 Reviews

• A

• 354 Students
• 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Central Park School for Children

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• K-7
• 1

• A-

• 441 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

City of Medicine Academy

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 176

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 176 Reviews

• A-

• 296 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Morehead Montessori School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• A-

• 261 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mangum Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5
• 1

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

• A-

• 326 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Liberty Christian School

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 9

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 9 Reviews

• B+

• 241 Students
• 17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Middle College Hs at Dtcc

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 11-12
• 52

Alum: GREAT SCHOOL! I just graduated a couple weeks ago and I can honestly say that it was fun! I was able to finish my associates in science! The college professors don’t care that you’re in high school and treat you like a college student! They are all very knowledgeable in their area and have various opportunities for you to ask questions! That high school teachers are also great! I loved the counselors! They know what they’re doing. However I would of liked more help with finding ways to pay for college. Flexible schedule and you still get to play sports at your base high school! The students are all driven and really helped me decide what I want to do as well as keep me focused! The campus is a good size!
Read 52 Reviews

• B+

• 159 Students
• 28:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pearsontown Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• B+

• 824 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Jordan High School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 9-12
• 293

High School Senior: My favorite experiences are specific classes such as gym class! I laughed so much in that class and it was a great way to start high school because I hardly knew anyone at Jordan. Jordan is unique because we get an extra day to do homework although that sometimes backfires if you never do the assignment on that extra day (i.e., double the work). It is also unique because the teachers allow you to independently learn and that helped me mature faster because I was not so dependent on my teachers and I loved it! If I could do it all over, I would choose this school again because it really helped me mature intellectually and personally. I also enjoyed how the students were accepting of each other.
Read 293 Reviews

• B+

• 1,987 Students
• 18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Voyager Academy

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 108

Alum: Voyager Academy is a excellent school because all of the staff members care about their students. I attended Voyager Academy from 7th grade until 12th grade. I graduated in 2015 and the school and staff was a big part of my life. My grades were excellent their and I got the proper attention from my teachers as well so I can succeed. The class sizes were small so that is what I liked about it. When I was in classes with 30 students my grades weren't that best and I did not get enough attention fro teachers. There are over 30 clubs and the sport events rock the whole school. Basketball is the most popular sport at Voyager because it gives a lot of media attention and their teams are undefeated. The food is also amazing because they give you the opportunity to get hot lunch. Hot lunch consist of Chick Fil A, Zaxbys, Cook Out, Pizza Inn and even Subway. Voyager is still a big part of my life because I wouldn't have got into college with out them.
Read 108 Reviews

• B+

• 1,347 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Forest View Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5

• B+

• 733 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Easley Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5

• B+

• 583 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Creekside Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• K-5
• 1

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+

• 918 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Lakewood Montessori Middle School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-8

• B

• 302 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Little River Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-6

• B

• 408 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Mount Zion Christian Academy

• Private School
• Durham, NC
• K-12
• 5

Parent: My overall experience at Mount Zion Christian Academy was pretty good overall, a lot of the teachers took time out of the day to work with individuals who needed help and did a lot of hands-on training. Mount Zion is a growing accredited institution that is increasing their academic levels year-by-year.
Read 5 Reviews

• B

• 204 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

George Watts Elementary School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• PK, K-5

• B

• 407 Students
• 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Rogers-Herr Middle School

• Durham Public Schools, NC
• 6-8
• 5

• B

• 636 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Kestrel Heights Charter School

• Public School
• Durham, NC
• K-8
• 77

Senior: I've been attending Kestrel Heights since my freshman year and I love it. I've often questioned what my experience would've been like attending a regular public school, but I'm glad I didn't. Kestrel is a pretty small school, this allows students to really build relationships with their teachers, coaches, even our principals., and build real friendships with other students. Unfortunately, Kestrel Heights is being threatened to get closed down. Faculty, parents and majority of our students (even seniors) have been putting forth as much support as we can to help prevent the school from getting shut down. Like I said, I've been here for four years, even though I won't be here next year, I'd be devastated not being able to go back and visit old teachers and watch some of my fellow classmates grow into bright seniors. As we always say, once a Kestrel, always a Kestrel!
Read 77 Reviews

• B

• 1,043 Students
• 16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio