Top 10 Best Durham County Public Charter Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 18 public charter schools serving 13,581 students in Durham County, NC.
The top ranked public charter schools in Durham County, NC are Research Triangle High School, Voyager Academy and Central Park School For Children. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Durham County, NC public charter schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the North Carolina public charter school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 59% statewide average). Charter schools in Durham County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public charter school average of 53% (majority Black).

Best Public Charter Schools in Durham County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Research Triangle High School
Charter School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
3106 East Nc Highway 54
Durham, NC 27709
(919) 998-6757
Grades: 9-12
| 564 students
Rank: #22.
Voyager Academy
Charter School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
101 Hock Parc Drive
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 433-3301
Grades: K-12
| 1,363 students
Rank: #33.
Central Park School For Children
Charter School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
724 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-1200
Grades: K-8
| 609 students
Rank: #44.
Durham Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
807 West Chapel Hill Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 956-5599
Grades: K-10
| 777 students
Rank: #55.
Excelsior Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4100 N Roxboro Street
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 213-8585
Grades: K-12
| 1,029 students
Rank: #66.
Discovery Charter
Charter School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
501 Orange Factory Road
Durham, NC 27722
(984) 888-5504
Grades: 6-10
| 412 students
Rank: #77.
Nc Virtual Academy
Charter School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4220 Nc Highway 55, Suite 130
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 346-0121
Grades: K-12
| 2,959 students
Rank: #88.
North Carolina Cyber Academy
Charter School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2800 Meridian Parkway, Suite 1
Durham, NC 27713
(984) 262-9237
Grades: K-12
| 2,523 students
Rank: #99.
Global Scholars Academy
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
311 Dowd St
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 682-5903
Grades: K-8
| 202 students
Rank: #1010.
Research Triangle Charter
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2418 Ellis Road
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 957-7108
Grades: K-8
| 727 students
Rank: #1111.
Kestrel Heights School
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
4700 South Alston Ave.
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 484-1300
Grades: K-8
| 440 students
Rank: #1212.
The Institute Development Young Leaders
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
4300 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 308-9731
Grades: K-8
| 412 students
Rank: #1313.
Community School Of Digital & Visual Art
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1955 West Cornwallis Road
Durham, NC 27705
(919) 797-2340
Grades: K-8
| 181 students
Rank: #1414.
Maureen Joy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
107 South Driver Street
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 908-1602
Grades: K-8
| 634 students
Rank: #1515.
Reaching All Minds Academy
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2703 Holloway St.
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 596-1899
Grades: K-8
| 384 students
Rank: #1616.
Kipp Durham College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1107 Holloway Street
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 973-0285
Grades: K-8
| 365 students
Rank: n/an/a
North Oak Academy
Charter School
Durham, NC 27704
(984) 244-5528
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
West Triangle High School
Charter School
Rock Quarry Road
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 807-3300
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Durham County, NC

Durham County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
8305 Roxboro Road
Bahama, NC 27503
(919) 471-8655
Grades: 6-10
| 64 students
401 N Driver St
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-3931
Grades: 5-12
| 174 students
1219 Broad Street
Durham, NC 27715
(919) 416-2600
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
2700 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 224-4040
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
4220 Nc Highway 55
Durham, NC 27713
(919) 346-0121
Grades: PK-12
| n/a students
910 Cook Road
Durham, NC 27717
(919) 687-0870
Grades: K-8
| 63 students
800 Clayton Rd
Durham, NC 27703
(919) 560-9184
Grades: 9-12
| 278 students
600 E Umstead St
Durham, NC 27701
(919) 560-2208
Grades: 8
| 79 students
The Wright School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
3132 North Roxboro St
Durham, NC 27704
(919) 560-5790
Grades: K-8
| n/a students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public charter schools in Durham County, NC?
The top ranked public charter schools in Durham County, NC include Research Triangle High School, Voyager Academy and Central Park School For Children.
How many public charter schools are located in Durham County?
18 public charter schools are located in Durham County.
What is the racial composition of students in Durham County?
Durham County public charter schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public charter schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Which public charter schools in Durham County are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and Evolution
We explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.