Best Public Schools in Cary, NC

The city of Cary, North Carolina is home to a diverse array of 33 schools, including 18 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 7 high schools, and 1 alternative school. These schools serve students across a range of socioeconomic backgrounds and demonstrate a wide spectrum of academic performance.

Among the standout schools in Cary are Green Level High School, which consistently ranks among the top in the state with a 5-star rating and exceptional test scores, and Mills Park Middle School, which is ranked #2 in the state and also holds a 5-star rating. At the elementary level, Highcroft Elementary and Hortons Creek Elementary are also among the top-performing schools in the state. These high-achieving schools tend to have lower student-teacher ratios and higher per-student spending, which may contribute to their strong academic outcomes.

In contrast, some schools in the Wake County Schools district, such as SCORE Academy and Connections Academy, have significantly lower test scores and higher rates of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, suggesting that socioeconomic factors play a significant role in student performance. The data also reveals disparities in racial diversity across the schools, with some exhibiting predominantly white or Asian student populations, while others have more balanced racial makeups or higher percentages of Black and Hispanic students.