Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Winston Salem, NC (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Winston Salem Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 66 public schools serving 36,624 students in Winston Salem, NC (there are 23 private schools, serving 4,206 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in Winston Salem, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Winston Salem, NC are Atkins Academic & Tech High School, Early College Of Forsyth Co and Sherwood Forest Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Winston Salem, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Winston Salem have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Winston Salem, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Atkins Academic & Tech High School
Magnet School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 84%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
3605 Old Greensboro Road
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-6754
Gr: 9-12 | 1,187 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #22.
Early College Of Forsyth Co
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
2100 Silas Creek Prky
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 757-3290
Gr: 9-12 | 306 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #33.
Sherwood Forest Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
1055 Yorkshire Road
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 774-4646
Gr: PK-5 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Oak Grove High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
3507 Midway School Rd
Winston Salem, NC 27107
(336) 474-8280
Gr: 9-12 | 992 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Wallburg Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
205 Motsinger Road
Winston Salem, NC 27107
(336) 769-2921
Gr: PK-5 | 717 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Whitaker Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2600 Buena Vista Road
Winston Salem, NC 27104
(336) 703-6740
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #77.
The Downtown School
Magnet School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
601 N Cherry Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-4125
Gr: PK-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #88.
Meadowlark Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
401 Meadowlark Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4208
Gr: PK-5 | 827 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #99.
Meadowlark Middle School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
301 Meadowlark Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4228
Gr: 6-8 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #1010.
Friendship Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1490 Friendship-ledford Road
Winston Salem, NC 27107
(336) 231-8744
Gr: PK-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1111.
Oak Grove Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1771 Hoy Long Road
Winston Salem, NC 27107
(336) 474-8250
Gr: 6-8 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #1212.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4000 Jefferson School Lane
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4215
Gr: PK-5 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1313.
The Arts Based School
Charter School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1380 Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 748-4116
Gr: K-8 | 663 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1414.
Friedberg Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1131 Friedberg Church Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 764-2059
Gr: PK-5 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1515.
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3500 Sally Kirk Road
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4222
Gr: 6-8 | 808 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1616.
R J Reynolds High School
Magnet School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
301 N Hawthorne Road
Winston Salem, NC 27104
(336) 703-4145
Gr: 9-12 | 1,759 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #1717.
Hanes Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2355 Pleasant St
Winston Salem, NC 27107
(336) 703-4171
Gr: 6-8 | 967 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1818.
The Special Children's School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4505 Shattalon Dr
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4191
Gr: PK-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #1919.
Clemmons Middle School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3785 Fraternity Church Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 703-4217
Gr: 6-8 | 1,092 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #2020.
Mount Tabor High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
342 Petree Road
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-6700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,426 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #2121.
Quality Education Academy
Charter School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
5012-d Lansing Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 744-7138
Gr: K-12 | 776 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
Rank: #2222.
Brunson Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
155 N Hawthorne Road
Winston Salem, NC 27104
(336) 703-4206
Gr: PK-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #2323.
Parkland High School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1600 Brewer Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 771-4700
Gr: 9-12 | 1,569 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2424.
Forsyth Academy
Charter School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
5426 Shattalon Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 922-1121
Gr: K-8 | 729 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #2525.
Moore Magnet Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
451 Knollwood Street
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 727-2860
Gr: PK-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #2626.
Carter High School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
851 Highland Court
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-4119
Gr: 9-12 | 123 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #2727.
Speas Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2000 W Polo Road
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4135
Gr: PK-5 | 793 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #2828.
Paisley Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1394 Thurmond St
Winston Salem, NC 27105
(336) 703-4168
Gr: 6-10 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #2929.
Wiley Magnet Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1400 Northwest Boulevard
Winston Salem, NC 27104
(336) 727-2378
Gr: 6-8 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #3030.
Bolton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1250 Bolton Street
Winston Salem, NC 27103
(336) 703-4247
Gr: PK-5 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #3131.
J F Kennedy High School
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
890 E 11th Street
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 703-4143
Gr: 6-12 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #3232.
Ward Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3775 Fraternity Church Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 703-4235
Gr: PK-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #3333.
Old Town Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3930 Reynolda Road
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4283
Gr: PK-5 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #3434.
Konnoak Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
3200 Renon Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 703-4163
Gr: PK-5 | 600 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: #3535.
Griffith Elementary School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1385 W Clemmonsville Road
Winston Salem, NC 27127
(336) 703-4245
Gr: PK-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Show 31 more public schools in Winston Salem, NC (out of 66 total schools)
Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Winston Salem, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Winston Salem, NC include Atkins Academic & Tech High School, Early College Of Forsyth Co and Sherwood Forest Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Winston Salem?
66 public schools are located in Winston Salem.
What percentage of students in Winston Salem go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Winston Salem are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Winston Salem?
Winston Salem public schools minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Winston Salem are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
Hello Budget Cuts, Goodbye Sports: The Threat to Athletics
 15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
15 Failures of U.S. Public Education in 2025
 The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools

More Articles

Public School Jobs
Scholarships
About Public Schools
Teaching
Public School Policies