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Swift Creek Elementary

Q: Is Swift Creek Elementary a good school?

Swift Creek Elementary ranks 426 th of 1492 North Carolina elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades K-5

426^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,492 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Better than 71% of North Carolina elementary schools

Summary

Swift Creek Elementary is a small K-5 school in Raleigh, NC, serving about 310 students as part of Wake County Schools with a notably low 12.5:1 student-teacher ratio. On the most recent SchoolDigger ranking, Swift Creek places in the 71st percentile of North Carolina elementary schools (4 stars), putting it in the upper third statewide and solidly in the middle-to-upper tier of its immediate area.

Academically, the school shows real strengths in early grades and reading. Its 4th-grade reading score (74.5% proficient) is well above both the Wake district average (68%) and the state average (57.7%), and it beats several nearby schools including Penny Road Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and Combs Elementary. However, 5th grade is a relative weak spot: math proficiency (64.6%) trails the district by about 7 points, and science (68.8%) trails by about 5 points. Nearby Cary Elementary and Farmington Woods Elementary are clearly higher-performing overall, while Dillard Drive Elementary and Adams Elementary rank substantially lower. Interestingly, Yates Mill Elementary, just 0.6 miles away with a far higher poverty rate, posts comparable overall results, showing that demographics don't tell the whole story. Attendance is a plus: Swift Creek's chronic absenteeism rate (16.2%) is well below the district (20.5%) and state (24.2%) averages.

The biggest area to watch is an equity gap in outcomes. SchoolDigger's subgroup data shows the school's effectiveness for White students (87th percentile statewide) is much higher than for African American students (18th percentile) or economically disadvantaged students (45th percentile), a pattern that has persisted for several years. The school has improved significantly from its late-2010s low point, when it ranked near the 48th percentile, and has earned 4-star ratings in each of the last four years. With only about 50–70 students per grade, year-to-year swings can be dramatic, but the school's overall trajectory and strong attendance make it a solid option worth considering in southwest Raleigh.

310

Students ?

12.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

44.2%

Free/reduced lunch eligible (2024-25) ?

5601 Tryon Rd
Raleigh, NC 27606-4451

(919) 233-4320

District: Wake County Schools

Students who attend Swift Creek Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Dillard Drive Middle
High:	Athens Drive High
	Wake Early College of Health and Science
	Wake STEM Early College High School
	Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
	More...
	Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy

Racial breakdown:

White:

48.4%

Hispanic:

23.5%

African American:

17.1%

See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

Compare Swift Creek Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 60th percentile in 2016 → 71st in 2026

Strengths

✓Test scores above the North Carolina average (68% vs 61% meeting standards)

✓Ranking is trending up — up 11 percentile points since 2016

✓Above the North Carolina median (71st percentile)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school68%

District avg70%

North Carolina avg61%

426^th of 1,492

North Carolina public elementary schools ?

Top 29%▲ up 11 pts since 2016

From top 40% (2016) to top 29% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of North Carolina Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

60^th of 246Wake County Schools among North Carolina districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	69.6	426 of 1492	71.4%	★★★★☆
2025	73.0	346 of 1490	76.8%	★★★★☆
2024	72.2	367 of 1505	75.6%	★★★★☆
2023	68.7	428 of 1502	71.5%	★★★★☆
2022	65.1	497 of 1514	67.2%	★★★☆☆
2021	63.8	504 of 1489	66.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	49.9	772 of 1473	47.6%	★★☆☆☆
2018	65.0	500 of 1434	65.1%	★★★☆☆
2017	50.0	745 of 1429	47.9%	★★☆☆☆
2016	59.7	563 of 1425	60.5%	★★★☆☆
2015	68.8	439 of 1440	69.5%	★★★☆☆
2014	77.8	274 of 1390	80.3%	★★★★☆
2013	87.8	130 of 1403	90.7%	★★★★★
2012	80.0	209 of 1388	84.9%	★★★★☆
2011	77.1	246 of 1381	82.2%	★★★★☆
2010	77.2	254 of 1363	81.4%	★★★★☆
2009	61.0	592 of 1354	56.3%	★★★☆☆
2008	68.1	384 of 1324	71.0%	★★★★☆
2007	52.9	688 of 1293	46.8%	★★☆☆☆
2006	53.8	652 of 1276	48.9%	★★☆☆☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	26.1	743 of 903	17.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2025	22.5	795 of 918	13.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	28.0	734 of 924	20.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	38.6	583 of 933	37.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	34.9	624 of 927	32.7%	★★☆☆☆
2019	54.4	380 of 949	60.0%	★★★☆☆
2018	65.5	250 of 927	73.0%	★★★★☆

Disabled

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2022	43.8	293 of 634	53.8%	★★★☆☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2019	35.5	345 of 497	30.6%	★★☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	65.8	437 of 1447	69.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	64.9	450 of 1451	69.0%	★★★☆☆
2024	72.5	328 of 1455	77.5%	★★★★☆
2023	73.7	321 of 1459	78.0%	★★★★☆
2022	69.5	385 of 1458	73.6%	★★★★☆
2021	64.4	443 of 1440	69.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	40.1	906 of 1424	36.4%	★★☆☆☆
2018	60.1	585 of 1405	58.4%	★★★☆☆

Gifted and Talented

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	59.0	358 of 743	51.8%	★★★☆☆
2025	53.1	453 of 710	36.2%	★★☆☆☆
2024	49.9	472 of 669	29.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	60.9	260 of 582	55.3%	★★★☆☆
2022	58.0	265 of 500	47.0%	★★☆☆☆
2021	54.9	287 of 494	41.9%	★★☆☆☆
2019	65.8	86 of 612	85.9%	★★★★☆

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	59.6	331 of 981	66.3%	★★★☆☆
2025	40.2	603 of 961	37.3%	★★☆☆☆
2023	49.7	444 of 915	51.5%	★★★☆☆
2019	45.6	481 of 865	44.4%	★★☆☆☆
2018	39.9	548 of 851	35.6%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	44.7	788 of 1434	45.0%	★★☆☆☆
2025	45.1	798 of 1437	44.5%	★★☆☆☆
2024	45.1	818 of 1450	43.6%	★★☆☆☆
2023	41.3	884 of 1437	38.5%	★★☆☆☆
2022	44.0	767 of 1366	43.9%	★★☆☆☆
2021	58.1	448 of 1329	66.3%	★★★☆☆
2019	34.0	989 of 1361	27.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	37.6	905 of 1332	32.1%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	71.1	379 of 1451	73.9%	★★★★☆
2025	78.2	255 of 1450	82.4%	★★★★☆
2024	67.5	424 of 1464	71.0%	★★★★☆
2023	61.6	531 of 1461	63.7%	★★★☆☆
2022	59.5	577 of 1464	60.6%	★★★☆☆
2021	60.1	546 of 1444	62.2%	★★★☆☆
2019	60.9	520 of 1430	63.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	67.1	431 of 1413	69.5%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2019	44.6	66 of 103	35.9%	★★☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	North Carolina percentile	Rating
2026	82.5	147 of 1146	87.2%	★★★★☆
2025	85.1	124 of 1172	89.4%	★★★★☆
2024	81.6	173 of 1166	85.2%	★★★★☆
2023	81.1	167 of 1183	85.9%	★★★★☆
2022	82.8	155 of 1194	87.0%	★★★★☆
2021	68.3	331 of 1172	71.8%	★★★★☆
2019	52.0	578 of 1183	51.1%	★★★☆☆
2018	77.9	220 of 1178	81.3%	★★★★☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2026)87th percentile+16 vs school

Male (2026)74th percentile~ school

Female (2026)70th percentile~ school

Hispanic (2026)66th percentile-5 vs school

Disabled (2022)54th percentile-13 vs school

Gifted and Talented (2026)52nd percentile-20 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2026)45th percentile-26 vs school

Multi-racial (2019)36th percentile-12 vs school

English Language Learner (2019)31st percentile-17 vs school

African American (2026)18th percentile-54 vs school

By subject vs North Carolina (2025-2026) ?

Mathematics70%+6 vs state

Science69%~ state avg

Reading66%+10 vs state

5.0

8 ratings · 7 written reviews

5★8

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3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a parent
Monday, November 18, 2019

I have had 3 kids all go through Swift Creek and my last is in their last year there. Swift Creek has amazing teachers, amazing parents, and great kids... it's not a huge school so all of the teachers know ALL of the kids. It's definitely a wonderful school and I highly recommend it. Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, January 8, 2019

As a teacher for the county, we could send our children to any school in the district. We CHOOSE to send them to SCES. Our son completed all 6 years at this school, excelling academically but also fostering wonderful relationships with students and staff. My daughter is following right in those footsteps, as she is now 1/2 way through her time at this wonderful school. Swift Creek is so much more than test scores! It is a community of parents, teachers, administrators, students, and community working together to create home-away-from-home for our kids to learn. The PTA is strong. The leadership team encourages and welcomes parental involvement. The school sees its diversity as an asset and celebrates the differences of its students. I give Swift Creek my highest recommendation. We are a proud family and past and present Swifties! Close Quote

by a parent
Tuesday, July 17, 2018

I’ve been so impressed with Swift Creek and couldn’t be happier that we landed here. The teachers and principal welcome the kids each morning and see them off in the afternoon, calling each by name. As a former teacher and child of two retired teachers, I appreciate how the entire staff shows how much they truly care about the students. There’s so much positive energy all over campus and in the classrooms. The PTA is top-notch and plans activities throughout the year that really get the kids involved. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, June 28, 2017

We LOVE Swift Creek! We have been there for four years, and although there have been some changes within the school itself, it has not changed the integrity of the school. The students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but that is one of the many reasons that make the school so wonderful.
The size of the school is another plus for me. I love it that the students all know one another. The teachers and staff know students on a first-name basis, and students and parents feel welcome and encouraged. I see on a daily basis the children that need help are pulled out of their class to get the special one-on-one help from the aids. The children that are academically gifted get special assignments and classes too. Children on all levels can and will succeed at Swift Creek. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

We asked for a transfer to SCES two years ago after visiting several times. It is a wonderful smaller school with a family-like atmosphere. They have incredible teachers a wonderful principal and vice-principal. They really care about their students. The principal is very visible and personable and knows a lot of students by their first names. The PTA is very active. The teachers, administrative staff and parents are so friendly. I highly recommend this school. Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Our two kids go to Swift Creek (Kindergarten and Second Grade), we have been attending for 3 years now. As a new parent to WCPSS, I didn't really know what to expect. We have been very happy with the community atmosphere and the level at which our children are learning. SCES has a wonderful, fully engaged PTA. Here, everyone knows each other. The school is the perfect size for our family - you are never just a number! You are always greeted with smiling faces and happy children. The After School Program has improved significantly since our first year here. My kids love going to both school and after-school. In fact my Kindergartner just wrote in his journal how much he loves school. Early on, in his first week at school while still getting adjusted, he had a difficult morning and resisted getting on the bus for school. I let his teacher know and she was beyond supportive. She sent me a photo of him and her beaming into the camera to show me everything was great. That's priceless for a parent. That sums up Swift Creek for me. The teachers, staff and PTA are like extended family. If you are thinking of sending your kids here, you won't be disappointed. Close Quote

by a parent
Friday, June 2, 2017

Swift Creek Elementary is under new leadership this year and WOW…the energy of this school is contagious. The principal and assistant principal truly care about the teachers and students. Teachers are loving, supportive and really want to see all children succeed. They are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to get students engaged and excited to learn. The specials teachers are the best in Wake County! In addition, the PTA (especially the president) is very involved and has provided open communication with the parents. I am so proud to call my child a “Swiftie.” Close Quote

Schools Near Swift Creek Elementary

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Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				EOG Mathematics (2026)					EOG Reading (2026)					EOG Science (2026)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/reduced lunch (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	EOG Mathematics 3rd Grade	EOG Mathematics 4th Grade	EOG Mathematics 5th Grade	EOG Mathematics 7th Grade	EOG Mathematics 8th Grade	EOG Reading 3rd Grade	EOG Reading 4th Grade	EOG Reading 5th Grade	EOG Reading 7th Grade	EOG Reading 8th Grade	EOG Science 5th Grade	EOG Science 8th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Swift Creek Elementary	Public	K-5	5601 Tryon Rd	Raleigh	27606	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	No	(919) 233-4320	310	25	12.5	44.2%	150 (48.4%)	53 (17.1%)	73 (23.5%)	14 (4.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (6.5%)	69.6	426^th of 1492 public elementary schools	71.4%		73	346^th of 1490 public elementary schools	76.8%	80	73.5	70.6	64.6			63.3	74.5	60.4			68.8		$9,861	$588	$9,272
Yates Mill Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	5993 Yates Mill Pond Road	Raleigh	27606	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 233-4244	538	39	13.6	—	184 (34.2%)	76 (14.1%)	233 (43.3%)	23 (4.3%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (3.9%)	66.1	490^th of 1492 public elementary schools	67.2%		52.9	691^st of 1490 public elementary schools	53.6%	201	76.7	66.0	69.4			60.5	66.0	52.8			70.8		$10,080	$966	$9,114
Dillard Drive Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	5018 Dillard Drive	Raleigh	27606	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 233-4200	648	54	12.0	56.5%	230 (35.5%)	183 (28.2%)	160 (24.7%)	45 (6.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	29 (4.5%)	45	826^th of 1492 public elementary schools	44.6%		32.4	1049^th of 1490 public elementary schools	29.6%	223	58.8	55.2	55.1			55.7	54.3	58.0			62.3		$10,061	$1,014	$9,047
Farmington Woods Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	1413 Hampton Valley Rd	Cary	27511	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(919) 460-3469	648	47	13.8	31.0%	305 (47.1%)	63 (9.7%)	140 (21.6%)	102 (15.7%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	36 (5.6%)	81	230^th of 1492 public elementary schools	84.6%		88.4	133^rd of 1490 public elementary schools	91.1%	97	76.0	78.5	74.7			69.0	71.0	73.7			75.8		$9,948	$469	$9,479
Adams Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	805 Cary Towne Blvd	Cary	27511	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 460-3431	655	52	12.6	61.2%	252 (38.5%)	116 (17.7%)	237 (36.2%)	21 (3.2%)	2 (0.3%)	3 (0.5%)	24 (3.7%)	45	824^th of 1492 public elementary schools	44.8%		52.7	698^th of 1490 public elementary schools	53.2%	126	54.4	56.1	66.7			45.6	53.3	57.6			65.7		$10,267	$952	$9,315
Combs Elementary	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	2001 Lorimer Rd	Raleigh	27606	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(919) 233-4300	695	51	13.5	41.7%	304 (43.7%)	157 (22.6%)	117 (16.8%)	86 (12.4%)	2 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	29 (4.2%)	71.1	394^th of 1492 public elementary schools	73.6%		79.8	248^th of 1490 public elementary schools	83.4%	146	73.7	67.2	72.3			65.8	66.4	64.9			69.1		$9,127	$525	$8,602
Mount Vernon	Public	K-8	5418 Chapel Hill Rd	Raleigh	27607	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(919) 233-4313	70	26	2.6	95.7%	16 (22.9%)	32 (45.7%)	15 (21.4%)	2 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (7.1%)								(n/a)				11.1	27.7				27.8	27.7		51.1	$39,441	$8,764	$30,677
Briarcliff Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	1220 Pond St	Cary	27511	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	No	(919) 460-3443	486	32	15.0	43.0%	275 (56.6%)	39 (8.0%)	117 (24.1%)	40 (8.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (3.1%)	55.8	644^th of 1492 public elementary schools	56.8%		55.4	645^th of 1490 public elementary schools	56.7%	1	64.4	67.1	59.5			63.2	61.8	57.6			58.8		$10,299	$630	$9,670
Oak Grove Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	10401 Penny Road	Raleigh	27606	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	No	(919) 387-4490	553	42	13.1	33.1%	293 (53.0%)	91 (16.5%)	114 (20.6%)	39 (7.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (2.9%)	71.9	380^th of 1492 public elementary schools	74.5%		67.8	430^th of 1490 public elementary schools	71.1%	50	71.7	67.8	72.8			65.2	65.5	66.3			72.8		$10,384	$768	$9,616
Cary Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	400 Kildaire Farm Road	Cary	27511	Wake County	Wake County Schools	No	No	No	No	(919) 460-3455	477	32	14.7	42.6%	269 (56.4%)	52 (10.9%)	112 (23.5%)	19 (4.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	24 (5.0%)	80.7	236^th of 1492 public elementary schools	84.2%		79.9	246^th of 1490 public elementary schools	83.5%	10	71.6	80.0	71.3			74.3	81.3	73.8			72.5		$10,015	$629	$9,386

Frequently Asked Questions about Swift Creek Elementary

Is Swift Creek Elementary a good school?

Swift Creek Elementary ranks 426^th of 1492 North Carolina elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Swift Creek Elementary?

Students at Swift Creek Elementary are 48% White, 24% Hispanic, 17% African American, 6% Two or more races, 5% Asian.

How many students attend Swift Creek Elementary?

In the 2024-25 school year, 310 students attended Swift Creek Elementary.

What schools do graduates of Swift Creek Elementary attend?

Students who attend Swift Creek Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Dillard Drive Middle
High : Athens Drive High
High : Wake Early College of Health and Science
High : Wake STEM Early College High School
High : Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy
High : Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy

What district is Swift Creek Elementary in?

Wake County Schools

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Latest North Carolina data All new data »

2017–18 through 2025–26 attendance data & graduation ratesSep 2, 2026

2025–26 EOC & EOG test scoresSep 2, 2026

2016–17 through 2024–25 graduation ratesSep 3, 2025

2024–25 EOC & EOG test scoresSep 3, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.