Best 27518 North Carolina Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,499 students in 27518, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 179 private students). 84% of all K-12 students in 27518, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC are Wake Stem Early College High School, Penny Road Elementary School and Score Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27518 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 63% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27518, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 27518, NC Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wake Stem Early College High School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2205 Walnut Street
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8130
Gr: 9-13 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Penny Road Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
10900 Penny Rd
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 387-2136
Gr: K-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #33.
Score Academy
Alternative School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5651 Dillard Dr
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 694-8560
Gr: 9-12 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 72%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27518, NC include Wake Stem Early College High School, Penny Road Elementary School and Score Academy.
How many public schools are located in 27518?
4 public schools are located in 27518.
What percentage of students in 27518 go to public school?
84% of all K-12 students in 27518 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27518?
27518 public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links