The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a town or city which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 21%
75%
Avg. Statewide: 42%
Top-Ranked Cities With Best 51±¬ÁÏs in North Carolina (2026)
City
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
75%
(9 out of 12)
(9 out of 12)
Rank: #22.
53%
(8 out of 15)
(8 out of 15)
- Franklin Academy
Rank: #306 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 79%) - Endeavor Charter School
Rank: #315 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 78%) - North Wake College And Career Academy
Rank: #352 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 90-94%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Wake Forest, NC Schools
Rank: #33.
50%
(3 out of 6)
(3 out of 6)
- Cedar Fork Elementary School
Rank: #256 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 85% | Reading: 81%) - Parkside Elementary School
Rank: #421 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80% | Reading: 77%) - Morrisville Elementary School
Rank: #433 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 79% | Reading: 77%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Morrisville, NC Schools
Rank: #44.
47%
(15 out of 32)
(15 out of 32)
Rank: #55.
41%
(9 out of 22)
(9 out of 22)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
40%
(6 out of 15)
(6 out of 15)
Rank: #6-76 - 7.
40%
(4 out of 10)
(4 out of 10)
- Holly Springs Elementary School
Rank: #305 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 83% | Reading: 80%) - Holly Springs High School
Rank: #345 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 77% | Reading: 85%) - Holly Ridge Elementary School
Rank: #363 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 84% | Reading: 75%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Holly Springs, NC Schools
Rank: #88.
31%
(4 out of 13)
(4 out of 13)
Rank: #99.
26%
(6 out of 23)
(6 out of 23)
Rank: #1010.
21%
(3 out of 14)
(3 out of 14)
- Hendersonville High School
Rank: #313 of 2,617 (Top 5%)
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 75-79%) - Hendersonville Elementary School
Rank: #345 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%) - West Henderson High School
Rank: #531 of 2,617 (Top 10%)
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked Hendersonville, NC Schools
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding 51±¬ÁÏ Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.