As real estate professionals serving the Raleigh-Durham area, we know firsthand that choosing the right neighborhood often comes down to the quality of nearby schools. In Durham, North Carolina, several high schools stand out for their academic excellence, community engagement, and specialized programs that attract both families and savvy homebuyers.
Durham Public Schools has received strong recognition from Niche. These rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews from students, parents, and teachers. The district is ranked #3 out of 115 for Most Diverse School Districts in North Carolina, showing its inclusive and multicultural environment. It’s also ranked #40 out of 115 for Best School Districts, thanks to its strong academics and student success. When it comes to teaching, it ranks #59 out of 115 for Best Teachers, proving the dedication of its educators.
Using trusted sources like GreatSchools and Niche, we’ve curated a list of top-performing high schools in Durham to help guide your home search and ensure you’re making confident, informed decisions for your family.
1. Research Triangle High School
Located in Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle High School is a public charter school emphasizing STEM education. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for college and careers in science and technology fields.
Research Triangle High School is one of the top-rated charter schools in North Carolina. Niche ranks it #4 out of 83 among the Best Charter High Schools in the state. The school stands out for its innovative programs and strong academic performance. It’s also known for having excellent teachers, ranking #6 out of 598 for Best Public High School Teachers in North Carolina. Plus, it’s ranked #20 out of 572 for Best College Prep Public High Schools, showing its commitment to preparing students for college success.
Why Locals Love It:
- Strong focus on STEM disciplines.
- Innovative teaching methods.
- High college readiness scores.
Available Resources:
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Research opportunities.
- Extracurricular STEM clubs.
Living in the Area:
Download Research Triangle High School Report
2. Middle College High School at Durham Tech
Situated on the Durham Technical Community College campus, this school allows juniors and seniors to take college courses while completing high school. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, it offers a unique blend of high school and college experiences.
Middle College High School at Durham Tech has received high marks from Niche. The rankings come from government data and many parent and student reviews. The school is ranked #13 out of 57 among Best Magnet High Schools in North Carolina for its focused curriculum. It also ranks #24 out of 572 as one of the Best College Prep Public High Schools in the state. In overall quality, it lands at #47 out of 631 for Best Public High Schools in North Carolina.
Why Locals Love It:
- Opportunity to earn college credits.
- Small class sizes.
- Focus on college and career readiness.
Available Resources:
- Access to college facilities.
- Dual enrollment programs.
- Academic counseling.
Living in the Area:
Download Middle College High School at Durham Tech Report
3. J.D. Clement Early College High School
In partnership with North Carolina Central University, this magnet school offers students the chance to earn college credits during high school. With a student-teacher ratio of 26:1, it emphasizes academic excellence and college preparedness.
J.D. Clement Early College is one of the highest-ranked schools in the state. It’s ranked #1 out of 38 for Niche Standout High Schools in North Carolina, showing its excellent academics and supportive environment. The school is also #15 out of 57 for Best Magnet High Schools, thanks to its innovative learning approach. For college readiness, it ranks #30 out of 572 in the Best College Prep Public High Schools list.
Why Locals Love It:
- Early exposure to college-level coursework.
- Strong academic performance.
- Supportive learning environment.
Available Resources:
- Access to university courses.
- College counseling services.
- Extracurricular activities.
Living in the Area:
Download J.D. Clement Early College High School Report
4. City of Medicine Academy
This magnet school focuses on health sciences, preparing students for careers in the medical field. With a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, it offers specialized courses and hands-on experiences in healthcare.
City of Medicine Academy is another standout school in Durham. It ranks #6 out of 38 for Niche Standout High Schools in North Carolina, thanks to its strong programs and student outcomes. It also holds the #16 spot out of 57 for Best Magnet High Schools, offering a focused, health-related curriculum. The school is also recognized for its staff, ranking #53 out of 598 for Best Public High School Teachers in the state.
Why Locals Love It:
- Emphasis on health sciences.
- Opportunities for internships.
- Strong community partnerships.
Available Resources:
- Health science labs.
- Clinical experiences.
- Career counseling.
Living in the Area:
Download City of Medicine Academy Report
5. Durham School of the Arts
Serving grades 6–12, this magnet school integrates arts into the academic curriculum. With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, it offers programs in visual arts, music, dance, and theater alongside rigorous academics.
Durham School of the Arts is one of the top schools for arts education in the state. It ranks #6 out of 44 for Best High Schools for the Arts in North Carolina. The school is also #17 out of 57 among Best Magnet High Schools, known for its creative programs and supportive culture. It ranks #33 out of 572 for Best College Prep Public High Schools, showing strength in both academics and the arts.
Why Locals Love It:
- Strong arts programs.
- Diverse student body.
- High academic standards.
Available Resources:
- State-of-the-art arts facilities.
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- Extracurricular arts clubs.
Living in the Area:
Download Durham Schools of the Arts Report
Why School Ratings Matter When Buying a Home
As local real estate agents, we can tell you that school ratings often play a pivotal role in shaping neighborhood demand. Whether you’re a parent prioritizing education or an investor thinking long-term resale value, proximity to highly-rated schools typically translates to higher property values, more community resources, and stronger buyer interest.
This list of Durham’s top-performing high schools offers a great starting point if you’re planning your next move with education in mind.
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Together, we’ll find the perfect home in the right school district for you and your family.
Let’s connect today and explore the best neighborhoods in Durham—where great schools meet your dream lifestyle.
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