Serving 635 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Combs Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 66% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 63% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 635 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 66% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 63% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Combs Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Combs Elementary School's student population of 635 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
635 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
School Rankings
Combs Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Combs Elementary School is 0.71, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#557 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
63%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
12%
4%
Hispanic
17%
21%
Black
20%
25%
White
46%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Combs Elementary School's ranking?
Combs Elementary School is ranked #557 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
66% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 63% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Combs Elementary School?
635 students attend Combs Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Combs Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Black, 17% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Combs Elementary School?
Combs Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Combs Elementary School offer ?
Combs Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Combs Elementary School part of?
Combs Elementary School is part of Wake County Schools School District.
In what neighborhood is Combs Elementary School located?
Combs Elementary School is located in the Southwest Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 9 other public schools located in Southwest Raleigh.
School Reviews
5 9/18/2014
This school is filled with loving adults and happy kids!!! Learning is relevant, focused, and fun! No wonder Combs has been named the #1 magnet school in the country TWICE! My children are so blessed to go to this school!
Review Combs Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
