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205 schools in Wake County Schools

North Carolina · 163,176 students · 14 cities

Public-school enrollment inside Wake County Schools comes to roughly 163,176 students across 205 schools (126 elementary, 40 middle, and 36 high).

7-year change in Wake County Schools

SY 2017-18 vs SY 2024-25
Total enrollment
163,176
+1,759 (+1%) vs SY 2017-18
School count
198
+15 (+8%) vs SY 2017-18
% White
41%
was 46%
% Hispanic
20%
was 18%
% Black
21%
was 23%
% Asian
13%
was 9%
Source: NCES Common Core of Data, enrollment-weighted demographic averages
NameCityLevelGradesEnrollment
Pleasant Plains ElementaryApexElementaryM-M·
Rex Road ElementaryHolly SpringsElementaryM-M·
Wake Virtual ElementaryCaryCombinedM-M·
Wake Virtual HighCaryCombinedM-M·
Wake Virtual MiddleCaryCombinedM-M·

About Wake County Schools

As a wide-reaching district in North Carolina, Wake County Schools teaches 163,176 students across 205 schools.

Looking at the level breakdown, Wake County Schools is made up of 126 elementary, 40 middle, 36 high schools, and 3 combined or other.

Average enrollment per school in Wake County Schools is about 796, noticeably above the North Carolina average of roughly 571.

Trend over the past 7 years. Combined enrollment now sits at 163,176 students, stayed largely flat from the 161,417 reported in SY 2017-18. Wake County Schools now counts 198 public schools, up from 183 in SY 2017-18. The White share of public-school enrollment shrank from 46% to 41%.

In the discussion threads here, the community for Wake County Schools discusses open enrollment windows, redistricting talk, and busing logistics. Parents, students, and educators in the area can post or comment.

Frequently asked questions

How many schools are in Wake County Schools?
Wake County Schools operates 205 public K-12 schools in North Carolina, serving approximately 163,176 students.
What is the mix of elementary, middle, and high schools in Wake County Schools?
Wake County Schools includes 126 elementary, 40 middle, 36 high, 3 combined-grade schools.
What is the largest school in Wake County Schools?
Apex Friendship High is the largest public school in Wake County Schools by enrollment, with approximately 2,748 students.
What grade levels does Wake County Schools serve?
Wake County Schools schools serve students from pre-K through grade 13, across 205 campuses.
What cities does Wake County Schools serve?
Wake County Schools operates schools in Apex, Raleigh, Cary, Rolesville, Fuquay Varina, Wake Forest, and 8 other communities across North Carolina.