#1 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Cary Academy
Independent school · Grades 6–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Cary, NC
A+Overall grade789 students10 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Wake County, NC. Top 12 of 12 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Chesterbrook Academy-Preschool and Elementary
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 72% since 2011–12
Cary, NC
A+Overall grade193 students9 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Ravenscroft School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in North Carolina
Raleigh, NC
A+Overall grade1,215 students8 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
The Raleigh School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–5
One of 7 independent schools in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
B+Overall grade264 students9 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy Apex K-5
Independent school · Grades K–5
Growing: enrollment up 71% since 2011–12
Apex, NC
BOverall grade550 students20 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy
Independent school · Grades 6–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Rolesville, NC
BOverall grade625 students18 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy
Independent school · Grades K–5
The only independent school in Wake Forest
Wake Forest, NC
BOverall grade656 students23 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy Apex Jh/Hs
Independent school · Grades 6–12
95% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Apex, NC
B-Overall grade653 students15 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy of Raleigh
Independent school · Grades K–8
One of 7 independent schools in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
B-Overall grade488 students17 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 54% since 2019–20
Knightdale, NC
B-Overall grade466 students17 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy of Cary
Independent school · Grades K–10
One of 7 independent schools in Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
B-Overall grade436 students14 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Wake County, NC
Thales Academy Holly Springs Pre-K-12
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
An independent school in Holly Springs
Holly Springs, NC
B-Overall grade531 students18 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.