The North Carolina Triangle, also known as the Research Triangle or simply the Triangle, has been called as such because it is anchored by three universities forming a triangle — North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina. Beyond Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, where these three universities are located, the Triangle is also surrounded by the towns of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Garner, and Holly Springs. This region offers some of the best schools in the nation, from various levels, making it an ideal choice for homebuyers who are also parents of school children.
Best Elementary Schools in the Triangle
Glenwood Elementary School
Established in 1953, Glenwood Elementary School is the oldest school in the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School System. The “Home of the Gators” serves 483 students in kindergarten to grade 5, with a student to teacher ratio of 14:1. Math and Reading proficiency at this school are both at 77%.
Quest Academy Charter School
Quest Academy is a top-rated public charter school in Raleigh, North Carolina that serves 144 students from kindergarten to grade 8, with a student to teacher ratio of 14:1. Based on NC state test scores, 95% of students here are proficient in Math and 92% in Reading.
Best Middle Schools in the Research Triangle, NC
Central Park School for Children
The learning program at Central Park School for Children centers around what is best for its students, so that they reach their potential as confident, powerful, lifelong learners. This highly rated charter school is located in Durham, NC and serves 544 students from kindergarten to 8, with a student to teacher ratio of 12:1. Based on state test scores, 53% of their students are at least proficient in Math and 63% in Reading.
Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School
Sterling Montessori Academy is centrally located in the RTP area with easy access from Raleigh, Cary, and Durham, serving 603 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 8. The academy’s philosophy and teaching materials are based on the Montessori Method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, which emphasizes on learning through all five senses, not just through listening, watching, or reading. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and according to their own choice of activities.
Best High Schools in the NC Triangle Area
Durham School of the Arts
Durham School of the Arts is an outstanding magnet school in Durham, NC that has a total enrollment of 1,750 students in grades 6 through 12, with a student to teacher ratio of 16:1. Based on state test scores, Math proficiency among its students is 64% and Reading proficiency is 66%. On average, 96% of students graduate from this school, with an average SAT composite score of 1180 out of 1600.
Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh Charter High School is a top-rated public charter school located just minutes from downtown Raleigh. It serves 562 students from grades 9 through 12 and has a student to teacher ratio of 14:1. 92% of students here are at least proficient in Math and 95% in Reading. The average percentage of 12th graders who graduate from this school is 95%, and the average SAT composite score out of 1600 is 1380.
East Chapel Hill High School
East Chapel Hill High School has a total enrollment of 1,376 students in grades 9 through 12, with a student to teacher ratio of 16:1. According to North Carolina state test scores, Math proficiency among the students is 80% and Reading proficiency is 85%. An average of 94% of students graduate from this institution, with an average SAT composite score of 1320 out of 1600.
Best Universities in the Triangle, North Carolina
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University, also known as NC State, is the state’s largest four-year college – providing a plethora of options for its 24,150 undergraduate students, from around 100 programs to major in to over 580 clubs and organizations to join. The university also offers a variety of academic departments that serve graduate students, including an engineering school that is well known for its nuclear and biological/agricultural engineering programs; an education program; and the Jenkins Graduate School of Management. The median starting salary of NC State alumni is $55,400.
Duke University
Duke University is divided into ten schools and colleges, serving both undergraduate and graduate students. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,692. The highly esteemed undergraduate scholarship, the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program, providing 18 students from each class with a four-year scholarship, is offered to students at both Duke University and the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill. Its graduate programs include Fuqua School of Business, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Law, School of Medicine, Sanford School of Public Policy, and School of Nursing. The university also offers graduate programs through Divinity School and Nicholas School of the Environment.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, often referred to as UNC, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 18,862. The university is divided into a number of schools and colleges, and the largest of these is the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences. As dictated by law, at least 82% of every freshman class should be from North Carolina. Among its graduate programs are Kenan—Flagler Business School, School of Education, School of Law, School of Medicine, Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Social Work, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and School of Government.
The North Carolina Research Triangle is an excellent location for families because of the numerous schools that provide superior quality of education at all levels. If you are thinking of moving to this area and contemplating on buying your next home, I will be more than happy to show you all the options available for you. Feel free to give me a call at 919-452-6484 or send me an email at nate@hgrnc.com if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a meeting.
