For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,791 students in 27527, NC.
The top-ranked public schools in 27527, NC are Riverwood Elementary School, River Dell Elementary School and Powhatan Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 27527 have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27527, NC have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27527, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Riverwood Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
108 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
River Dell Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12100 Buffalo Road
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Powhatan Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3145 Vinson Rd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Gr: PK-5 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
Riverwood Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
204 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Gr: 6-8 | 902 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #55.
East Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2075 Nc Highway 42 East
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27527, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27527, NC include Riverwood Elementary School, River Dell Elementary School and Powhatan Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 27527?
5 public schools are located in 27527.
What is the racial composition of students in 27527?
27527 public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (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.
