Elementary Schools in Durham Public Schools

The Durham Public Schools district in North Carolina is home to 31 elementary schools serving students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade. These schools vary significantly in their academic performance, student demographics, and resources, with some standout institutions like Pearsontown Elementary and Easley Elementary consistently ranking among the top elementary schools in the state. However, the data also reveals persistent achievement gaps, with high-poverty schools like Eastway Elementary and W G Pearson Elementary struggling to reach proficiency levels seen at the district's magnet and higher-income schools.

The Durham Public Schools district as a whole is ranked 163 out of 242 districts in North Carolina and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. While some schools like George Watts Elementary and Mangum Elementary rank in the top 200 elementary schools statewide, the district faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable educational outcomes across all its schools. Factors like student demographics, socioeconomic status, and per-student spending appear to play a role in the wide disparities in academic performance observed.

Overall, the Durham elementary school landscape is a complex mix of high-achieving institutions and schools struggling with persistent challenges. While the district's top-performing magnet and higher-income schools demonstrate the potential for excellence, addressing the stark achievement gaps will be crucial for Durham Public Schools to provide a quality education for all its students.