Best Southwest Raleigh Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,992 students in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Southwest Raleigh are Combs Elementary School, Dillard Drive Middle School and Centennial Campus Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Combs Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2001 Lorimer Rd
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 233-4300
Gr: PK-5 | 695 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Dillard Drive Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5200 Dillard Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 233-4228
Gr: 6-8 | 977 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #33.
Centennial Campus Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1900 Main Campus Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 233-4217
Gr: 6-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #44.
Dillard Drive Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
5018 Dillard Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 233-4200
Gr: PK-5 | 648 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
Mount Vernon
Alternative School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
5418 Chapel Hill Rd
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 233-4313
Gr: K-8 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 77%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh, NC include Combs Elementary School, Dillard Drive Middle School and Centennial Campus Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh?
5 public elementary schools are located in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh?
the neighborhood of Southwest Raleigh, Raleigh public elementary schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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