Best Public Schools in Zip Code 27526

Zip code 27526 is served by 12 schools spanning elementary through high school (PK–12), split across three very different school systems: 9 schools in Wake County Schools, 2 in Harnett County Schools, and the standalone Achievement Charter Academy district. Although the same ZIP code covers roughly 11,300 students, district quality varies widely, with Wake County rated 4 stars, Harnett County 2 stars, and the charter ranked near the bottom of the state. Overall, 8 of the 12 schools rank in the top quarter of their state school-type categories, making this generally a strong area for education.

At the elementary level, Ballentine Elementary is the standout: it ranks in the 88th percentile, has the lowest chronic absenteeism in the area at 10.9%, and beats district and state averages in nearly every subject. Herbert Akins Rd Elementary follows close behind after climbing steadily to the 84th percentile. The two middle schools, Fuquay-Varina Middle and Herbert Akins Road Middle, are essentially tied at the 79th percentile and have been consistent 4-star schools for three years. At the high school level, Fuquay-Varina High is the strongest, ranking in the 70th percentile with a 93.9% graduation rate, while Willow Spring High ranks slightly lower at the 63rd percentile but graduates students at an even higher 94.5% rate.

Families should keep a few caveats in mind. Both high schools struggle with freshmen-level Math I proficiency (31–35%) even though their English II, Biology, and Math III scores are well above state averages, suggesting a transition-year support issue. Achievement Charter Academy remains the most challenged school in the ZIP code, ranking in the 24th percentile with 39.9% chronic absenteeism, even though it has improved in recent years. Attendance and achievement generally track together here, so parents should pay attention to chronic absenteeism rates. In Harnett County, LaFayette Year-Round has become the district's clear bright spot at the 79th percentile, while Northwest Harnett Elementary fell sharply from the 80th to the 61st percentile — a reminder that small schools can see big ranking swings.