Schools in Zip Code 27503

Zip code 27503, covering the Bahama area of North Carolina, is served by a single school, Mangum Elementary, a K–5 school with 315 students that is part of Durham Public Schools. This small school stands out dramatically because it consistently earns 4 out of 5 stars and ranks in the 87th–89th percentile statewide, even though its district overall is rated just 2 stars and sits in the 37th percentile. Mangum beats both district and state averages in every single grade and subject tested, often by 20 to 30 percentage points in math and reading. For example, in 2024–2025, 4th grade math proficiency was 82.9% compared to 52.3% for the district, and 3rd grade reading was 72.1% versus 41.3% districtwide.

What makes these results even more impressive is that 99% of Mangum’s students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a very high economic need level. Despite this, the school has maintained strong, stable performance over three consecutive school years, with rankings that barely fluctuate year to year—evidence that the excellence is not a fluke. The school also reports a chronic absenteeism rate of just 18.0%, well below the district’s 36.1% and the state’s 24.2%. Regular attendance likely plays a big role in the academic success. With a 13.5:1 student–teacher ratio, students may also benefit from more individualized attention than is typical in larger schools.

In the most recent 2025–2026 EOG results, Mangum’s 5th grade science proficiency reached 80.9%, compared to 62.5% for the district and 67.7% for the state, making science a particular strength. While math and reading proficiency do decline somewhat from 3rd to 5th grade—from 84.2% to 70.2% in math, for example—scores remain far above peers at every level. For families in the Bahama area, Mangum Elementary offers a highly effective elementary education option that outperforms its district and the state, even while serving a predominantly low-income student body.