Top-Rated Raleigh School Districts to Buy a Home In (2025 and 2026 Edition)

Choosing the right Raleigh school district is one of the most important decisions families make when buying a home. Wake County Public Schools, one of the largest districts in the nation, continues to earn recognition for academic performance, diversity, and program excellence. According to the Wake County Public School System [https://www.wcpss.net], enrollment continues to increase year after year as more families relocate to Raleigh.

This 2025 guide highlights Raleigh’s highest-performing districts, supported by local data, neighborhood insight, and expert knowledge.

Learn more in this video!

1. Leesville Road School District (North Raleigh)

• The Leesville Road schools consistently rank among the best in Wake County due to strong academics and well-rounded student programs. According to Niche [https://www.niche.com], Leesville Road High School holds high ratings in college readiness, STEM, and athletics.

• North Raleigh neighborhoods such as Harrington Grove, Stonehenge, and Bent Creek are highly desirable for families seeking strong schools with excellent community amenities.

• This district also benefits from convenient access to I-540, Research Triangle Park, and major Raleigh shopping hubs.

2. Broughton High School District (Inside-the-Beltline)

• Broughton High School, located in historic Raleigh, is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate program. The IB Organization [https://www.ibo.org] cites Broughton as one of North Carolina’s premier IB institutions.

• Its inside-the-beltline location provides walkability, culture, and proximity to downtown Raleigh attractions.

• Neighborhoods like Five Points, Mordecai, and Cameron Village offer historic homes, tree-lined streets, and strong long-term value.

3. Green Hope School District (West Cary / West Raleigh)

• Green Hope High School remains one of the highest-ranking schools in North Carolina based on data from GreatSchools [https://www.greatschools.org]. Families choose Green Hope for competitive academics, athletics, and college placement.

• Communities like Preston, Carpenter Village, and Amberly attract tech workers employed in RTP.

• Homes in this district hold their value extremely well due to constant demand.

4. Panther Creek School District (Morrisville / West Raleigh)

• Panther Creek High offers strong AP course enrollment and above-average test scores, earning high marks from SchoolDigger [https://www.schooldigger.com].

• Neighborhoods such as Breckenridge, Kitts Creek, and Twin Lakes are known for new homes, amenities, and convenient access to RTP.

• Families relocating from out-of-state often choose this district for its diversity and education quality.

5. Wakefield School District (North Raleigh / Wake Forest Border)

• Wakefield schools benefit from a well-planned community environment, including trails, golf courses, and shopping.

• According to Wake County’s Data Review [https://www.wakegov.com], Wakefield continues to demonstrate strong academic consistency.

• Homebuyers appreciate Wakefield’s affordability while still remaining within Raleigh city limits.

6. Apex Friendship School District (Apex)

• Apex Friendship High offers advanced STEM programs, leadership academies, and high graduation rates.

• Apex frequently ranks among the best places to live in the U.S., supported by Money Magazine [https://money.com].

• West Lake and Bella Casa neighborhoods remain top choices for families seeking modern homes.

7. Holly Springs High School District

• Holly Springs High ranks well for academics, athletics, and student engagement.

• The town is one of the fastest-growing Raleigh suburbs, backed by economic reports from Town of Holly Springs [https://www.hollyspringsnc.us].

• Popular neighborhoods include Sunset Ridge, 12 Oaks, and Holly Glen.

8. Rolesville High School District

• Rolesville High continues to improve year-over-year, noted by Public School Review [https://www.publicschoolreview.com].

• Rolesville offers affordability, larger lots, and strong growth potential.

• Its location provides quick access to North Raleigh while offering suburban value.

Why Raleigh School Districts Strengthen Home Value

Raleigh school districts play a direct role in property appreciation. Studies from National Association of Realtors [https://www.nar.realtor] show buyers are willing to pay more for homes in high-performing districts. Wake County’s year-over-year population increase also supports rising demand.

Families relocating from New York, New Jersey, California, and Florida often choose Raleigh specifically for education quality.

How to Choose the Right Raleigh School District

• Analyze commute time to Raleigh or Research Triangle Park.

• Consider neighborhood amenities such as parks, greenways, and community centers.

• Review performance ratings from GreatSchools and SchoolDigger.

• Work with a Raleigh real estate expert who tracks district boundary updates.

FAQ: Raleigh School Districts 2025

1. Are Raleigh school ratings improving?
Yes. Raleigh continues to show academic growth, supported by Wake County’s educational investments. According to WCPSS annual reports [https://www.wcpss.net], graduation rates and test performance have improved since 2023.

2. Do school districts affect home prices?
Absolutely. Homes in top Raleigh districts often sell faster and for more money, as supported by data from Redfin [https://www.redfin.com]. Schools remain one of the strongest long-term value indicators.

3. Which district is best for STEM?
Green Hope, Apex Friendship, and Panther Creek consistently rank high for STEM course offerings and performance, based on GreatSchools analysis.

4. Are new schools opening in Raleigh?
Yes. Wake County plans new facilities to support rapid population growth, according to Wake County Facilities Plan [https://www.wake.gov].

5. What areas offer affordability and strong schools?
Wakefield, Rolesville, Apex outskirts, and Holly Springs provide value while maintaining strong educational ratings.

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Conclusion:

Raleigh remains one of the top U.S. destinations for families seeking excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and strong home appreciation potential. The combination of top-performing school districts and diverse housing makes Raleigh uniquely positioned for long-term residential satisfaction. Whether you are relocating or upgrading your home, choosing the right Raleigh school district will help maximize educational opportunities and property value.

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