For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 3,332 students in 27516, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in 27516, NC are Woods Charter, Smith Middle School and Margaret B. Pollard Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public middle schools in zipcode 27516 have an average math proficiency score of 68% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in 27516, NC have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27516, NC Public Middle Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Woods Charter
Charter School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
160 Woodland Grove Ln
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-8353
Gr: K-12 | 515 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Smith Middle School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9201 Seawell School Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2145
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2145
Gr: 6-8 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #33.
Margaret B. Pollard Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
185 Granite Mill Blvd.
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-0070
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-0070
Gr: 6-8 | 736 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Mcdougle Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
900 Old Fayetteville Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-1556
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-1556
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #55.
Culbreth Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 66%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
225 Culbreth Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-7161
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-7161
Gr: 6-8 | 632 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #66.
Phoenix Academy High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
750 S Merritt Mill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2300
Gr: 8-12 | 27 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in 27516, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in 27516, NC include Woods Charter, Smith Middle School and Margaret B. Pollard Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in 27516?
6 public middle schools are located in 27516.
What is the racial composition of students in 27516?
27516 public middle schools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
