The Raleigh School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked NC School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
Enrollment: 404 students
Yearly Tuition: $19,300
Average class size: 22 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 11 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

The Raleigh School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-5

Students By Grade

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Distribution of Students By Grade

Grade	The Raleigh School
Pre-K	140
Kind	44
1	44
2	44
3	44
4	44
5	44

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Pre-K enrollment highest with 140 students, more than triple each grade from kindergarten through grade 5 at 44.

Year Founded

1952

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2007

Campus Size

18 acres

School Motto

The Raleigh School is a cooperative community of children, parents and teachers that fosters a love of learning in an atmosphere of challenge, inquiry and respect.

Student Body

Total Students

404 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 24%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

43 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

22 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Cognia (formerly AdvancED / SACS CASI / NCA CASI) (Cognia)
Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
National Association of Private Schools (NAPS)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Dec. 11 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$19,300

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition is $18,900 for Kindergarten-2nd grade and $19,300 for 3rd grade-5th grade with a one-time elementary entry fee of $1,000. Preschool tuition varies by class from $1,030 for Parent/Child to $15,500 for a 5-day school day fours class.

Admissions Director

Sharice Chandler

Admissions Associate

Tori DeMoss

Application URL

Online Application

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Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

3 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Art ClubBook Clubs

Science Olympiad

School Notes

Our active, hands-on approach; our diverse, cohesive community; our emphasis on challenge and our partnership with highly-engaged parents are all core to our beliefs.
At The Raleigh School we nurture children`s natural inclinations to inquire, explore and discover through authentic play and project-based learning experiences; encouraging children to think creatively, critically and collaboratively; developing strong academic and problem-solving skills.
We intentionally focus on social/emotional development, cultivating compassionate, caring, responsible, leaders.

The Raleigh Schoolserves children from 18 months old through 5th grade, with a student/faculty ratio ranging from 5:1 in preschool to 11:1 in elementary grades.
At The Raleigh School we engage children`s hands, hearts and minds each and every day. Using an inquiry-based approach, our teachers help students develop critical and creative thinking skills that last a lifetime.
Our students love to come to school. Each child is well-known and valued as an individual member within the school community. Our parents choose TheRaleigh School because they appreciate our outstanding veteran faculty and value the many opportunities to be engaged in their own child`s education.
On ourbeautiful 18-acre wooded West Raleigh campus, convenient to Cary and I-40, weprovide daily opportunities for interaction with the stimulating natural environment, extending learning beyond classroom walls.
To find out more, request an information packet or schedule a tour of our campus, please contact our Admissions Office at 919-546-0788, ext. 117 or [email protected].

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Raleigh School cost?

The Raleigh School's tuition is approximately $19,300 for private students.

What is The Raleigh School's ranking?

The Raleigh School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for The Raleigh School?

The application deadline for The Raleigh School is Dec. 11 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 11 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is The Raleigh School located?

The Raleigh School is located in the Southwest Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 8 other private schools located in Southwest Raleigh.

School Reviews

5.00 out of 5 (13 reviews)

5 3/24/2023

This school is a gem! The partnership between the faculty, parents, and teachers fosters such a strong sense of community and our children love going to school. Each day they are encouraged to be curious, inquisitive, and imaginative which is building confidence, critical thinking, collaboration with others, and a love of learning! Thank you TRS for all that you do and continue to do!

- Posted by Parent - Julie B.

5 12/15/2021

I`ve been a Raleigh School parent for 7 years having brought two children up through preschool and now in elementary school. Now that I have a child in 3rd grade, I have to say that I am extremely impressed at how The Raleigh School guides the social and emotional development of children through their journey from 2s through elementary. I remember my youngest Removeding her fingers snuggling in the lap of her 2s preschool teacher because she was overwhelmed by the music emanating from the preschool music teacher`s guitar. When my oldest was in 4s preschool we got helpful strategies from the Preschool Director on how to help her make the decision on her own to stop Removeding her fingers. As our daughter moved into Elementary, The Raleigh School`s counselor, aka the feelings coach, helped students both individually and together in-class to learn about and manage their emotions while developing positive social relationships. This is a fabulous school that you should definitely check out.

- Posted by Parent - Randall

5 11/30/2021

Our children started at TRS in 2019 when the school our children had been attending suddenly closed. When they first started all classes were online due to COVID19. Thanks to the hard work by the TRS staff and teachers, we were just amazed at how well our children we able to acclimate and start to thrive academically and even socially in the online environment. We are so thankful that the TRS community and staff all worked together so that in-person classes were able to resume safely and now my children are thriving in their second year on campus TRS. This school creates an amazing space that both challenges and embraces our children's educational needs while also encouraging their imaginations. We are so happy to be a part of the TRS community.

- Posted by Parent - Tara

5 10/6/2021

My son started at The Raleigh School in second grade, following a move to the Raleigh area from out of state. The transition was a wonderful one. He was instantly welcomed by his classmates and quickly developed a very nice relationship with his teachers. The project-based curriculum is engaging and fun, and he comes home with stories of new adventures every day. We feel incredibly lucky to have found TRS!

- Posted by Parent - S.S.

5 9/29/2021

Our children have been at TRS since ages 2 and 4 years old. My youngest child is now in 5th grade. We could not be happier with TRS. The environment is loving and accepting. The children are challenged academically, but also in learning about interacting with others. My daughter was well prepared for middle school after she finished at TRS. I highly recommend TRS for both preschool and elementary school.

- Posted by Parent - pf

5 9/29/2021

Our son has been going to The Raleigh School since preschool, and now he is in the 1st grade. He loves his class and especially the teachers. He also loves the playground, which is absolutely amazing. My son has already asked me to keep him in the school until the 5th grade. From the beginning, TRS has strived to instill fun in learning so that our kids enjoy going to school, and it shows. We are truly blessed to have found TRS!

- Posted by Parent - Ghazal

5 9/22/2021

This is our ninth preschool class at The Raleigh School! We love it and keep coming because of the teachers, the beautiful and engaging outdoor spaces, and the play-based learning! I also love being part of such a nurturing community. My kids are so happy at school, which makes me happy!

- Posted by Parent - Sarah

5 6/21/2021

Our son has attended The Raleigh School since preschool. He is now a rising 4th grader. Parent involvement is big & TRS has fostered a love of learning in him & supported his growth wonderfully. The school recently revamped a $1 million outdoor playground for learning to occur inside & out. It has a beautifully designed outdoor spaces with treehouse and climbing to spark a child's imagination.

- Posted by Parent - KKim

5 1/15/2021

We have been attending The Raleigh School for 8 years now in total, starting in the 2` class in Preschool. The experience has been WAY beyond my expectations. My children have developed a true love for learning which is impacting them even at home, the social and emotional skill development is exceptional, and the curriculum motivates the kids to engage. This is a very challenging season we are in with Covid and I have been beyond impressed with how they have handled the situation and kept our children safe while continuing to learn. I highly recommend!!

- Posted by Parent - Casb

5 10/8/2015

I have 2 children at the Raleigh School and I could not be more pleased. It provides a nurturing environment which fosters creative learning and appreciation of cultural diversity. The faculty are approachable and have an impressive educational background. The school actually encourages parental involvement in the child's learning. The Head of School Mr. Bud Lichenstein joined the school from the New England and has done an outstanding job. I recommend the school without reservation . Dr's M.Alexander and Bobbie Gupta

- Posted by Parent - alexa

5 10/8/2015

My youngest son is in 5th grade and oldest son is a TRS graduate. The Raleigh School provides a safe, engaging environment for my children to explore learning and build a strong foundation. Never once have my children sad I do not want to go to school. I think that alone speaks volumes of the love of learning that The Raleigh School fosters. My eldest has moved on to another private school and has excelled in every way thanks to the strong skill set that The Raleigh School has provided. Invest in your child's early education, you will never regret it!

- Posted by Parent - tmdpr

5 10/8/2015

We are very happy with our choice to move our children from the public school system to The Raleigh School (TRS). While private school is a meaningful financial commitment, we believe it has been well worth the investment. Specifically, we love the vibrant and active community TRS fosters (across parents, students, and children), and also the foundations of diversity and respect the school fosters, which sums to us feeling that our children are extremely safe (physically and emotionally) at TRS. Academically, we are also pleased with the curriculum and believe our children will be well prepared for the next stage of their education.

- Posted by Parent - chris

5 10/8/2015

I have had 4 children who have either graduated from or currently attending The Raleigh School. The most amazing thing about this is that my children were in an environment that has fostered a love of learning. Not only is the learning fun but the teachers allow the kids to be kids and use their own creativity. Respect and kindness is expected- not rewarded. No matter where they go to middle school I believe that TRS has set the foundation of how teachers should treat students and how people treat people. This is a foundation that is critical in the early years. No place is perfect- but its close...Love, love this school and feel so fortunate to be a part of it.

- Posted by Parent - lauri

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Raleigh, NC is $13,163 for elementary schools and $14,159 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Raleigh, NC is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).