- #1 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaNorth Carolina School of Science and MathematicsDurham, NC·Public School·11-12·Rating 4.46 out of 5 189 reviewsSenior: The best part of moving away from home at 16 to attend NCSSM-M has easily been the relationships and connections that are formed here. Learning to be independent at the same time as your peers helps to forge strong bonds, unlike any I had at my home school. I have been introduced to traditions and holidays from all over the world, something I never had the opportunity to learn about in my small town of Boone. Not only did I bond with my peers, but because of my small class sizes I made great connections with many of my teachers. Working with teachers who have PhDs has been a huge privilege, although one issue I continued to notice was that math teachers with advanced doctorates in knot theory and more, struggled to teach the basics to students who were just beginning with calculus. Our school will only hire teachers with at least a master's degree, but almost none of them have a degree in education, which I believe has set back the progress many of the students here could have made.... Read 189 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 976Student-teacher ratio 8:1#1 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.North Carolina School of Science and MathematicsBlue checkmark.Public School,DURHAM, NC,11-12,189 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Senior says The best part of moving away from home at 16 to attend NCSSM-M has easily been the relationships and connections that are formed here. Learning to be independent at the same time as your peers helps....Read 189 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 976,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- #1 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaCary AcademyCary, NC·Private School·6-12·Rating 4.26 out of 5 112 reviewsSenior: Overall, I've had a lot of great opportunities, and no one's ever excluded me on purpose. The teachers are all really helpful and open to meeting if you're struggling with something. You'll have lots of chances to lead and discover what you really like to do here. From clubs to experiential learning days to sports, Cary Academy has something cool for everyone even outside of academics. Academics can get competitive and stressful, but we don't calculate gpa or release class ranking which helps.... Read 112 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 789Student-teacher ratio 8:1#1 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Cary AcademyBlue checkmark.Private School,CARY, NC,6-12,112 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Overall, I've had a lot of great opportunities, and no one's ever excluded me on purpose. The teachers are all really helpful and open to meeting if you're struggling with something. You'll have lots....Read 112 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 789,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- #2 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaDurham AcademyDurham, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.14 out of 5 111 reviewsSophom*ore: As a rising Junior at Durham Academy, I have seen a lot of what Durham Academy has to offer. They excel in many ways through their academics, facilities, and recourses. One thing I would like to see change is more information about the college process. There are plenty of resources, but little seminars and grade-wide check-ins.... Read 111 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,237Student-teacher ratio 6:1#2 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Durham AcademyBlue checkmark.Private School,DURHAM, NC,PK, K-12,111 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Sophom*ore says As a rising Junior at Durham Academy, I have seen a lot of what Durham Academy has to offer. They excel in many ways through their academics, facilities, and recourses. One thing I would like to see....Read 111 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,237,Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
- SponsoredPrivate SchoolThe Meridian SchoolPrivate School·SEATTLE, WA·PK, K-5·Rating 4.86 out of 5 7SponsoredPrivate SchoolCharles Wright AcademyPrivate School·TACOMA, WA·PK, K-12·Rating 4.28 out of 5 105SponsoredCatholic SchoolKennedy Catholic High SchoolPrivate School·BURIEN, WA·9-12·Rating 4 out of 5 189
- #2 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaRaleigh Charter High SchoolRaleigh, NC·Public School·9-12·Rating 4.49 out of 5 204 reviewsSenior: I loved Raleigh Charter. Teachers are, for the most part, amazing. You can clearly see how qualified they are, and how much they care about their students. The environment makes learning a bit more entertaining. Although facilities aren't the most kept, the people and community at RCHS are what make it so great.... Read 204 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 564Student-teacher ratio 13:1#2 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Raleigh Charter High SchoolPublic School,RALEIGH, NC,9-12,204 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I loved Raleigh Charter. Teachers are, for the most part, amazing. You can clearly see how qualified they are, and how much they care about their students. The environment makes learning a bit more....Read 204 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 564,Student-Teacher Ratio: 13 to 1,
- #3 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaRavenscroft SchoolRaleigh, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.45 out of 5 131 reviewsSenior: My experiences at Ravenscroft have been nothing but full of growth and improvement since my starting there in 6th grade. I have consistently been challenged through rigorous courses in math and science, but always had the opportunity to improve through my teachers’ dedication to me and my understanding of the material. The multi-break schedule every day allows for me to catch my breath in a day that may be very busy with tests and learning, but also provide opportunities of time to meet with teachers, asking any questions I have about current or upcoming topics.Ravenscroft also allows for students to make an impact on the school community through the hundreds of clubs and organizations present. As a current member of the sustainability committee, I have been able to work with teachers and administration to implement a school wide recycling initiative to once again recycle, along with collecting food scraps from lunches to donate to local farms, making sure it does not go to waste.... Read 131 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,239Student-teacher ratio 6:1#3 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Ravenscroft SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,RALEIGH, NC,PK, K-12,131 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.Featured Review: Senior says My experiences at Ravenscroft have been nothing but full of growth and improvement since my starting there in 6th grade. I have consistently been challenged through rigorous courses in math and...Ravenscroft also allows for students to make an impact on the school community through the hundreds of clubs and organizations present. As a current member of the sustainability committee, I have....Read 131 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,239,Student-Teacher Ratio: 6 to 1,
- #3 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaGreen Level High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.36 out of 5 58 reviewsAlum: When I joined Green Level High School I was an incoming sophom*ore who had just moved from India. I was welcomed in by the students and faculty with warm and open hands. Throughout the years I was there, a vast network of clubs and activities were set up. My class was the first graduating class from Green Level so there were things that the staff learned from us to improve the experience of other incoming students. I was on the varsity tennis and basketball team through my years there for which I had feedback that hopefully reflected in change. Our basketball team went through coach changes- which do happen- but you never expect it to happen at the end of the first year of the school's operation. My tennis team's coach was the parent of one of the athletes on the team and I think that caused an imbalance on the team when a player that was better than their child got a spot on the team. Overall, I suggested that we have unbiased coaches so that this incident would not happen again.... Read 58 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,052Student-teacher ratio 20:1#3 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Green Level High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,58 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says When I joined Green Level High School I was an incoming sophom*ore who had just moved from India. I was welcomed in by the students and faculty with warm and open hands. Throughout the years I was....Read 58 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,052,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- #5 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaPanther Creek High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.92 out of 5 578 reviewsSenior: Panther Creek has been such a unique and forever changing time of my life. I grew up, I made friends, I made so many mistakes, and I learned. I was able to find such a great support system from this school. Sometimes, it would feel like a prison, but I’m also just a dramatic high schooler. Id like to see more college orientated resources, as a senior I’m struggling on finding my way. Overall, this school has done me no wrong. Go Catamounts!... Read 578 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,435Student-teacher ratio 20:1#5 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Panther Creek High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,578 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Panther Creek has been such a unique and forever changing time of my life. I grew up, I made friends, I made so many mistakes, and I learned. I was able to find such a great support system from this....Read 578 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,435,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
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- #6 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaSaint Mary's SchoolRaleigh, NC·Private School·9-12·Rating 4.55 out of 5 40 reviewsParent: As a parent of boarding student, I cannot rave enough about my daughter's experience at Saint Mary's School. I have watched her thrive and find herself. She has become more confident, independent and is able to problem solve and navigate the balance of school, dance/athletics, living in a dorm, doing laundry, managing friendships/living with a roommate. She is challenged academically but has the opportunity to stretch herself. She has grown so much in the last two years due to leadership opportunities and vast list of activities and organizations available to her on campus. Her advisor worked with her personally to develop a strategic plan for her studies and how to reach her college goals. I also find our daily conversations are about more meaningful things like the subjects she is studying or what she is learning and experiencing verses. I am also really comforted as a parent that she is surrounded by a supportive team of teachers and admin and they make sure her safety is paramount.... Read 40 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 318Student-teacher ratio 8:1#6 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Saint Mary's SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,RALEIGH, NC,9-12,40 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars.Featured Review: Parent says As a parent of boarding student, I cannot rave enough about my daughter's experience at Saint Mary's School. I have watched her thrive and find herself. She has become more confident, independent and....Read 40 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 318,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- #6 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaGreen Hope High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.94 out of 5 521 reviewsAlum: Attending Green Hope was a wonderful experience! Was very diverse, with a wide variety of courses that adequately prepared me for college. In addition the sport and extracurricular opportunities were wonderful.... Read 521 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,001Student-teacher ratio 20:1#6 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Green Hope High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,521 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Attending Green Hope was a wonderful experience! Was very diverse, with a wide variety of courses that adequately prepared me for college. In addition the sport and extracurricular opportunities were....Read 521 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,001,Student-Teacher Ratio: 20 to 1,
- #7 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWilliam G. Enloe High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.77 out of 5 767 reviewsSenior: Enloe High School is an extremely competitive school. It is filled with various opportunities for students who are willing to work hard. A person can get behind very quickly due to the hyper competitive nature of the school. It offers courses such as Calculus 3, Differential Equations, and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism that many other schools do not offer.... Read 767 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 2,502Student-teacher ratio 17:1#7 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.William G. Enloe High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,767 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.Featured Review: Senior says Enloe High School is an extremely competitive school. It is filled with various opportunities for students who are willing to work hard. A person can get behind very quickly due to the hyper....Read 767 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 2,502,Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 to 1,
- #7 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaCardinal Gibbons High SchoolRaleigh, NC·Private School·9-12·Rating 4.26 out of 5 329 reviewsSophom*ore: The Gibbons community was welcoming and supportive the moment I walked through their doors. The amount and diversity of athletic, academic, and co-curricular opportunities excited me and helped me to grow as a student and an individual. Teachers and peers alike were kind, helpful, and inclusive. The school spirit was alive and evident throughout day-to-day engagements and sporting events. The environment is one of faith, service, and leadership, as stated in our schools mission statement. A strong presence of community, character-building, and the importance of education, stood out to me. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Cardinal Gibbons Catholic High School, and I look forward to my sophom*ore year!... Read 329 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 1,611Student-teacher ratio 16:1#7 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Cardinal Gibbons High SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,RALEIGH, NC,9-12,329 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.Featured Review: Sophom*ore says The Gibbons community was welcoming and supportive the moment I walked through their doors. The amount and diversity of athletic, academic, and co-curricular opportunities excited me and helped me to....Read 329 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 1,611,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #8 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaSt. David's SchoolRaleigh, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.09 out of 5 43 reviewsAlum: I loved St. David’s, the community is great and they truly prepare you for college. Yes it has its ups and downs but what school doesn’t. It was truly a great investment for my family and I and I thank SDS for everything they’ve done for me.... Read 43 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 606Student-teacher ratio 7:1#8 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.St. David's SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,RALEIGH, NC,PK, K-12,43 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Alum says I loved St. David’s, the community is great and they truly prepare you for college. Yes it has its ups and downs but what school doesn’t. It was truly a great investment for my family and I and I....Read 43 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 606,Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
- #9 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaCarolina Friends SchoolDurham, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.32 out of 5 28 reviewsParent: I like the fact there are no grades or standardized testing. Everyone goes by first name which provides for a much better community atmosphere.... Read 28 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 511Student-teacher ratio 8:1#9 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Carolina Friends SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,DURHAM, NC,PK, K-12,28 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars.Featured Review: Parent says I like the fact there are no grades or standardized testing. Everyone goes by first name which provides for a much better community atmosphere..Read 28 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 511,Student-Teacher Ratio: 8 to 1,
- #8 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWake STEM Early College High SchoolWake County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.09 out of 5 53 reviewsJunior: Honestly, I love Wake STEM. It was my dream school for years, and after being here for 2.5 years, it did not disappoint. The staff is absolutely amazing, and the students and general culture is just... wow. I will say that if you are looking to apply, be prepared to have (1) no say in what classes you take until junior/senior year and (2) almost exclusively take AP courses.... Read 53 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 282Student-teacher ratio 16:1#8 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Wake STEM Early College High SchoolBlue checkmark.Wake County Schools, NC,9-12,53 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Honestly, I love Wake STEM. It was my dream school for years, and after being here for 2.5 years, it did not disappoint. The staff is absolutely amazing, and the students and general culture is....Read 53 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 282,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #10 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaTrinity AcademyRaleigh, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.21 out of 5 24 reviewsParent: Our children have attended this school since 2012 and we could not be more happy! The staff and faculty are engaged and responsive. Everything from volunteering their time to host bible studies for students to partnering with parents in monthly prayer meetings. The academics have prepared our children well as they matriculated to top tier colleges and transitioned from one grade to the next. And while all of these things are fantastic and we are grateful for them, the most endearing quality of Trinity is that the community really cares. We lift one another up when needed and celebrate alongside one another when life calls for celebration. Love seeing this school be the hands and feet of Jesus!... Read 24 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 609Student-teacher ratio 7:1#10 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Trinity AcademyBlue checkmark.Private School,RALEIGH, NC,PK, K-12,24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.Featured Review: Parent says Our children have attended this school since 2012 and we could not be more happy! The staff and faculty are engaged and responsive. Everything from volunteering their time to host bible studies for....Read 24 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 609,Student-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1,
- #9 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaWoods Charter SchoolChapel Hill, NC·Public School·K-12·Rating 3.97 out of 5 58 reviewsSenior: I have had a generally good experience at Woods Charter School. They have strong academic programs, particularly in the maths and sciences. I would like to see more options for humanities courses, more sports programs, and greater diversity in the school. There is also a bit of a lack of school spirit.... Read 58 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 508Student-teacher ratio 9:1#9 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Woods Charter SchoolPublic School,CHAPEL HILL, NC,K-12,58 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Senior says I have had a generally good experience at Woods Charter School. They have strong academic programs, particularly in the maths and sciences. I would like to see more options for humanities courses,....Read 58 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 508,Student-Teacher Ratio: 9 to 1,
- #10 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaJohnston County Early College AcademyJohnston County Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 4.39 out of 5 121 reviewsAlum: Best part about attending Johnston county Early College Academy was the small class sizes and the supportive staff and faculty at the school. The only downside is that there’s no sports at the school but the academics make up for that.... Read 121 reviewsgradeA+Overall Niche GradeStudents 281Student-teacher ratio 28:1#10 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Johnston County Early College AcademyJohnston County Schools, NC,9-12,121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.4 stars.Featured Review: Alum says Best part about attending Johnston county Early College Academy was the small class sizes and the supportive staff and faculty at the school. The only downside is that there’s no sports at the school....Read 121 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A+,Students: 281,Student-Teacher Ratio: 28 to 1,
- #11 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaEmerson Waldorf SchoolChapel Hill, NC·Private School·PK, K-12·Rating 4.18 out of 5 22 reviewsAlum: The Emerson Waldorf School is a school I'm grateful I had the opportunity to go to, as it was the exact environment I needed during that time in my life. It developed me in ways I don't think I would've gotten from a traditional school experience; The sheer sense of community & speaking to the individual was truly priceless. Looking back on it though, I do wish the preparation for college was a bit more substantial, & the lack of having transfer credits certainly didn't aid when I did get enrolled into college. However those are only minor in the grand scheme of things;
- #11 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaChapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.7 out of 5 265 reviewsJunior: Best: excellent for college preparedness, rigor of advanced classes, teacher support and respect for students, communityWorst: not much! Great school. Disappointed the decision has been made to move to block scheduling for Fall 2025Change: Reverse the decision to move to block scheduling. It's not popular among students and potentially leaves at risk students behind on core subject areas.... Read 265 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,597Student-teacher ratio 16:1#11 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC,9-12,265 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Junior says Best: excellent for college preparedness, rigor of advanced classes, teacher support and respect for students, communityWorst: not much! Great school. Disappointed the decision has been made to move to block scheduling for Fall 2025Change: Reverse the decision to move to block scheduling. It's not popular among students and potentially leaves at risk students behind on core subject areas..Read 265 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,597,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
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- #12 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaEast Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC·9-12·Rating 3.73 out of 5 310 reviewsAlum: I love how diverse East is; there are so many different types of people who come from so many different backgrounds. There is also a lot of room to express yourself. East has over one hundred clubs and if you pitch an idea, you can most likely make it happen. You can host events, put up flyers, talk to different teachers and peers. Something I would like to see change is the competitive nature of the students. Everyone is trying to cram their schedules with AP classes, trying to be the best at every subject, to the point where it interferes with the students' personal life and mental health.... Read 310 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 1,447Student-teacher ratio 16:1#12 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.East Chapel Hill High SchoolChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, NC,9-12,310 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.Featured Review: Alum says I love how diverse East is; there are so many different types of people who come from so many different backgrounds. There is also a lot of room to express yourself. East has over one hundred clubs....Read 310 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 1,447,Student-Teacher Ratio: 16 to 1,
- #12 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh AreaCary Christian SchoolCary, NC·Private School·K-12·Rating 4.15 out of 5 82 reviewsParent: CCS has been a wonderful school choice for my children! I have enjoyed volunteering seen first hand how the teachers are very caring and intentional with the students. The school does a great job of connecting new families. I like how CCS has been authentic in teaching subjects through a biblical worldview lens. Prospective families should take a school day tour to see Classical Chrisitan Education in action.... Read 82 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 856Student-teacher ratio 14:1#12 Best Private High Schools in Raleigh Area.Cary Christian SchoolBlue checkmark.Private School,CARY, NC,K-12,82 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.Featured Review: Parent says CCS has been a wonderful school choice for my children! I have enjoyed volunteering seen first hand how the teachers are very caring and intentional with the students. The school does a great job....Read 82 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 856,Student-Teacher Ratio: 14 to 1,
- #13 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh AreaResearch Triangle High SchoolDurham, NC·Public School·9-12·Rating 3.97 out of 5 64 reviewsParent: We have been very pleased with the school and the teachers. They really help the kids in any way they can and really care about them. There is nothing I would change.... Read 64 reviewsgradeAOverall Niche GradeStudents 582Student-teacher ratio 15:1#13 Best Public High Schools in Raleigh Area.Research Triangle High SchoolPublic School,DURHAM, NC,9-12,64 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.Featured Review: Parent says We have been very pleased with the school and the teachers. They really help the kids in any way they can and really care about them. There is nothing I would change..Read 64 reviews.Overall Niche Grade: A,Students: 582,Student-Teacher Ratio: 15 to 1,
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