Durham County Schools & Education
Durham County, North Carolina
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
80.2%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.2%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,673
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
33/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#62
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Durham County, North Carolina
A Dense and Diverse Urban School Market
Durham County features 72 public schools and 17 districts serving a total of 44,718 students. The system is composed of 39 elementary, 11 middle, and 14 high schools, along with eight specialized campuses. This complex landscape offers a wide variety of educational pathways for residents.
High Investment Amidst Academic Challenges
The graduation rate in Durham is 80.2%, falling below the state average of 88.0%. However, the county invests $7,673 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. With a school score of 49.8, the county is actively using its higher funding levels to address performance gaps.
A Major Hub for Charter School Choice
Durham Public Schools manages 31,531 students, while 16 charter schools serve a massive 22.2% of the local student population. Large virtual options like NC Virtual Academy and NC Cyber Academy collectively serve over 5,000 students. This high concentration of charters makes Durham one of the most choice-heavy markets in the state.
City Classrooms and Massive High Schools
The educational experience is overwhelmingly urban, with 59 schools located in city settings. C E Jordan High and Riverside High are major anchors with nearly 2,000 students each. While the average school size is 639 students, the presence of large virtual and magnet schools provides a modern, fast-paced educational feel.
Unmatched Options in the Bull City
Durham is the ideal location for families who want a multitude of public, magnet, and charter options within a short drive. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to resourcing its schools. Explore homes in the city center or near the Jordan High district to be in the heart of Durham's educational scene.
School Overview
Total Schools
72
in Durham County
Total Enrollment
44,718
students
School Districts
17
districts
Charter Schools
16
22% of total
School Type Breakdown
17 School Districts in Durham County
Durham Public Schools
NC Virtual Academy
North Carolina Cyber Academy
Voyager Academy
Excelsior Classical Academy
Research Triangle Charter
Durham Charter School
Maureen Joy Charter
Central Park School For Children
Research Triangle High School
72 Public Schools in Durham County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC Virtual Academy | NC Virtual Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 3,047 |
| North Carolina Cyber Academy | North Carolina Cyber Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 2,372 |
| C E Jordan High | Durham Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,040 |
| Riverside High | Durham Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,812 |
| Durham School of the Arts | Durham Public Schools | 6–12 | High | 1,705 |
| Hillside High | Durham Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,526 |
| Voyager Academy | Voyager Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 1,361 |
| Northern High | Durham Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,308 |
| Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi | Durham Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,283 |
| Excelsior Classical Academy | Excelsior Classical Academy | KG–11 | Charter | 987 |
| Neal Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 789 |
| Sherwood Githens Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 763 |
| George L Carrington Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 755 |
| Brogden Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 742 |
| Pearsontown Elementary | Durham Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 726 |
| Lowe's Grove Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 700 |
| Research Triangle Charter | Research Triangle Charter | KG–8 | Charter | 693 |
| Southwest Elementary | Durham Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 663 |
| Durham Charter School | Durham Charter School | KG–9 | Charter | 643 |
| Rogers-Herr Middle | Durham Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 643 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,673
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Durham County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Durham County, North Carolina?
Durham County features 72 public schools and 17 districts serving a total of 44,718 students. The system is composed of 39 elementary, 11 middle, and 14 high schools, along with eight specialized campuses. This complex landscape offers a wide variety of educational pathways for residents.
How do schools in Durham County perform academically?
The graduation rate in Durham is 80.2%, falling below the state average of 88.0%. However, the county invests $7,673 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. With a school score of 49.8, the county is actively using its higher funding levels to address performance gaps.
What are the major school districts in Durham County, North Carolina?
Durham Public Schools manages 31,531 students, while 16 charter schools serve a massive 22.2% of the local student population. Large virtual options like NC Virtual Academy and NC Cyber Academy collectively serve over 5,000 students. This high concentration of charters makes Durham one of the most choice-heavy markets in the state.
What is the school experience like in Durham County?
The educational experience is overwhelmingly urban, with 59 schools located in city settings. C E Jordan High and Riverside High are major anchors with nearly 2,000 students each. While the average school size is 639 students, the presence of large virtual and magnet schools provides a modern, fast-paced educational feel.
How can I find homes near good schools in Durham County, North Carolina?
Durham is the ideal location for families who want a multitude of public, magnet, and charter options within a short drive. The high per-pupil spending reflects a community committed to resourcing its schools. Explore homes in the city center or near the Jordan High district to be in the heart of Durham's educational scene.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.