Summary:
Zip code 27310 in Oak Ridge, North Carolina, contains just one public school — Oak Ridge Elementary — serving grades PK through 5, meaning families in this area will need to look beyond the zip code for middle and high school options. This single school, however, stands out as an exceptional elementary school both within its district and across the entire state.
Oak Ridge Elementary consistently earns 5 stars from the state and has ranked in the top 2–3% of North Carolina elementary schools for three consecutive years, including a #21 ranking out of 1,505 schools in 2023-2024. Its academic performance is dramatically higher than both the Guilford County Schools district average and the statewide average in every subject and grade level. For example, in 2025-2026, 94.3% of 5th graders were proficient in math (compared to 56.7% districtwide and 62.9% statewide), and 95.7% of 5th graders were proficient in science (versus 62.0% district and 67.7% state). Even the school’s “lowest” area, 3rd grade reading, saw 83.0% proficiency — roughly 31 points above the district and 27 points above the state. Reading and math proficiency generally exceed 83% across all grades, with math and science being particular strengths.
Attendance at Oak Ridge Elementary is also notably healthier than its peers: chronic absenteeism is 11.3%, less than half the district rate of 29.2% and well below the state’s 24.2%. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 15.6 to 1 and a relatively low free/reduced lunch rate of 15.73%, indicating a more economically advantaged student body. While year-to-year single-grade scores fluctuate — such as a strong 8.6-point gain in 5th grade reading and a 6.8-point drop in 4th grade reading — the overall pattern is one of sustained, top-tier achievement. In short, this is a standout school in a district that is otherwise rated just 2 stars, proving that individual schools can far outperform their district’s overall reputation.
Thank you for your feedback!