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Triangle Housing Guide → Raleigh → Schools
Wake County · Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS)

The complete guide to Raleigh schools

Raleigh's school landscape is the most varied in the Triangle — from nationally ranked magnets to improving neighborhood schools. This guide helps you understand which schools serve which neighborhoods and how to navigate Raleigh's school assignment system.

District Overview All Schools Neighborhood Assignments FAQ

District overview: Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS)

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS)
8/10

Raleigh offers the widest range of WCPSS school options in the Triangle, including several nationally recognized magnet programs. School quality varies significantly by neighborhood — more so in Raleigh than any other Triangle city.

Most magnet options in WCPSSWide quality range by neighborhoodEnloe STEM MagnetBroughton National Blue Ribbon

⚠️ Important for homebuyers

School quality varies significantly by Raleigh neighborhood. Always verify your specific school assignment using your exact address at wcpss.net. Magnet school applications are competitive and separate from your assigned school.

All Raleigh schools

High SchoolGrades 9-12
9/10

Broughton High School

Raleigh's historic flagship school near downtown. National Blue Ribbon School with strong academics, notable alumni, and one of the most prestigious school assignments in the city. Serves Five Points, Cameron Village, and surrounding in-town neighborhoods.

Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: ~2,400 Address: 723 St Marys St, Raleigh
Blue RibbonHistoricDowntown RaleighPrestigious
Magnet High SchoolGrades 9-12
10/10

Enloe High School (STEM Magnet)

One of the top-ranked public high schools in NC. Highly competitive STEM magnet program drawing top students from across Wake County. Application required — not assigned by address. Consistently sends graduates to the nation's top universities.

Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: ~2,800 Address: 128 Clarendon Crescent, Raleigh
#1 WCPSSSTEM MagnetApplication RequiredTop University Placement
High SchoolGrades 9-12
8/10

Sanderson High School

Strong North Raleigh school with excellent athletics, growing AP program, and active parent community. Serves North Hills, Wakefield-adjacent, and surrounding north Raleigh neighborhoods.

Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: ~2,100 Address: 5600 Dixon Dr, Raleigh
North RaleighStrong AthleticsGrowing AP
High SchoolGrades 9-12
8/10

Millbrook High School

Serves northwest Raleigh including Brier Creek area. Solid academics with strong athletics. Good option for families in the Brier Creek corridor.

Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: ~1,900 Address: 2201 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh
Northwest RaleighBrier CreekSolid Academics
Magnet High SchoolGrades 9-12
9/10

Wake STEM Early College HS

Competitive magnet program allowing students to earn both a high school diploma and associate's degree. Located on Wake Tech campus. Application required.

Grades: 9–12 Enrollment: ~400 Address: Wake Tech Campus, Raleigh
Dual EnrollmentSTEMApplication RequiredAssociate Degree
Magnet SchoolGrades 6-12
9/10

Ligon GT Magnet Middle

Gifted and Talented magnet serving grades 6-8. One of WCPSS's most sought-after magnet programs. Application and testing required. Highly competitive admission.

Grades: 6–8 Enrollment: ~800 Address: 706 E Lenoir St, Raleigh
Gifted & TalentedMagnetCompetitiveApplication Required

School assignments by neighborhood

These are general guidelines. Always verify your specific assignment at wcpss.net using your exact address before purchasing.

Five Points

High SchoolBroughton HS
Middle SchoolOberlin MS
ElementaryRoot Elem

North Hills

High SchoolSanderson HS
Middle SchoolWest Millbrook MS
ElementaryVerify wcpss.net

Downtown Raleigh

High SchoolBroughton HS
Middle SchoolLigon GT (magnet)
ElementaryVarious

Brier Creek

High SchoolMillbrook HS
Middle SchoolWest Millbrook MS
ElementaryVerify wcpss.net

Wakefield

High SchoolHeritage HS
Middle SchoolHeritage MS
ElementaryVerify wcpss.net

Cameron Village

High SchoolBroughton HS
Middle SchoolOberlin MS
ElementaryRoot Elem

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh schools

What are the best schools in Raleigh? +
Enloe High School's STEM magnet program is the highest-rated school in Wake County (application required). Broughton High School is the best assigned school — a National Blue Ribbon School serving in-town Raleigh neighborhoods. Ligon GT Middle is the top middle school magnet option.
How does the magnet school system work in Raleigh? +
WCPSS magnet schools are open to any Wake County student through a competitive application process, separate from your assigned neighborhood school. Raleigh has the most magnet options of any Triangle city. Applications are typically due in January for the following school year. Admission is not guaranteed.
Do Raleigh school assignments vary a lot by neighborhood? +
Yes — more than any other Triangle city. A home in Five Points is assigned to Broughton (9/10) while a home a few miles away might be assigned to a different school with lower ratings. Always verify your specific assignment with your exact address at wcpss.net before purchasing.
Is Enloe a good school? +
Enloe's STEM magnet is rated 10/10 and is one of the best public high schools in North Carolina. However, admission requires a competitive application — it's not assigned by address. Students who live in Enloe's base zone can attend without applying to the magnet, but the base zone school has different ratings.
What neighborhoods have the best Raleigh school assignments? +
Five Points, Cameron Village, and downtown neighborhoods feeding into Broughton HS have the strongest assigned school placements. North Raleigh areas feeding into Sanderson are also strong. Research your specific address carefully before purchasing.

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