Public Schools

Olds Elementary School

École Olds Elementary School is a vibrant Pre-K to 4 institution where 545 students thrive under the guidance of 57 dedicated staff members, including Principal Mrs. Alanna Sampson and Vice Principal Mr. Joe Amundrud. With Hooper as their mascot, the school fosters a safe, caring environment focused on academic excellence and positive personal development. At École Olds Elementary, learning is an exciting, fun-filled adventure, supported by full-time specialist teachers in music and physical education, a full-time librarian managing over 15,000 resources, and comprehensive support for students with special needs. The school offers a robust Early Literacy Program, full-time educational assistants in kindergarten, and a French Immersion program for grades 1-4. Facilities include a two-station gym with a climbing wall and school-wide art projects that showcase student creativity, complemented by grade-level performance assemblies and professional music/drama performances. For inquiries, contact them at (403) 556-8477 or via email through Mrs. Lisa Hallett.

Needham Broughton High School

Located in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina at 723 St. Mary’s Street, Needham B. Broughton High School, more commonly known as Broughton High School, stands as a distinguished member of the Wake County Public School System. Named after the esteemed businessman and politician Needham B. Broughton, who played a significant role in developing the public schools of Raleigh, the school is celebrated for its architectural elegance. Designed by William Henley Deitrick, Broughton’s striking castle-like stone facade and imposing bell tower make it a landmark institution within the community.

Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, home of the Owls, was founded in 2012 to provide a specialized academic environment that nurtures leadership, entrepreneurship, and community service among young women. Located in the community’s heart, this academy serves approximately 50 students per grade level from grades 6 through 13, offering a rigorous single-gender educational program. The dedicated team of educators at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy is committed to the academic and social development of all students, emphasizing empowerment and collaborative learning.

The academy’s mission is to support, enrich, and empower each young woman to excel as learners and leaders in both local and global settings. By providing rigorous instruction and fostering a collaborative spirit among students, parents, community members, and educators, Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy prepares students for lifelong learning and leadership.

Visitors and prospective students are welcomed to discover the unique educational experiences at Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy, where young women are prepared to lead and learn with confidence and skill.

Private and Charter Schools

St. Mary’s School

Saint Mary’s School, nestled in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a private, independent Episcopal college-preparatory school that offers both boarding and day programs for girls in grades 9–12. Operating independently with a historic connection to the Episcopal Church, the school grounds feature the St. Mary’s Chapel, reflecting its spiritual heritage. Initially founded in 1842, the institution originally functioned under the name Saint Mary’s School. It later became known as Saint Mary’s College, primarily educating young women in grades 11–12 alongside their freshman and sophomore college years. In 1998, the institution transitioned back to a four-year high school model and reinstated its original name, Saint Mary’s School, to emphasize its renewed focus on secondary education.

The Raleigh School

The origins of The Raleigh School trace back to 1952, when a small group of families recognized the need for a progressive, secular, and integrated preschool in Raleigh that prioritized play and parental involvement. Unable to find such an institution, they took matters into their own hands, creating a school that embraced a play-based, hands-on, and child-centered approach to education, a relatively novel concept at the time.

Initially, the group organized playgroups in their homes, gradually progressing to renting space for their activities. This collective named their establishment the Raleigh Preschool, which was officially chartered by the state of North Carolina in 1955. By 1960, the preschool moved to a newly purchased property on Ridge Road.

As the preschool flourished, it became apparent that the seamless educational philosophy was something parents desired beyond preschool age. Responding to this need, after a community vote in the early 1990s, an elementary school was founded in 1992 that continued the preschool’s educational approach. This new extension moved to the current campus in 1997.

Throughout its history, The Raleigh School has maintained its founding mission, fostering a love of learning within an environment that emphasizes challenge, inquiry, and respect. Parental involvement remains a cornerstone of the school’s success, continuing the legacy of the original families’ commitment to exceptional education.

Preschools and Early Learning Centers

Method Child Development Center

Method Child Development Center, a nonprofit childcare center founded in 1969 as the first multi-racial daycare in Wake County, is committed to supporting a diverse community by addressing the social, educational, and emotional needs of each child in a safe, nurturing, and affordable environment. Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the center ensures that children’s well-being is a top priority for both the staff and board members. Families looking to enroll their children are encouraged to schedule a visit by calling 919-852-4568. Originally established by five local churches as part of the Raleigh Inter-Church Housing Corporation, the center began in Raleigh’s Method community with seventeen children and has since upheld its mission to serve children from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. In 2004, it was rebranded as Method Child Development Center and moved to 900 Trailwood Drive in Raleigh, NC. Today, Method serves children from six weeks to school age across five classrooms and was recognized as a state-licensed 5-star center in 2015, reflecting the staff’s dedication and quality care.