For the 2024-25 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 12,035 students in Clayton, NC (there are 5 private schools, serving 737 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Clayton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Clayton, NC are Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Clayton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Clayton, NC (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Johnston Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
40 Scholar Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
(866) 642-3676
Clayton, NC 27520
(866) 642-3676
Grades: K-8
| 733 students
Rank: #22.
Cleveland Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10225 Cleveland Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Grades: PK-5
| 857 students
Rank: #33.
Cleveland High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1892 Polenta Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 934-2455
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 934-2455
Grades: 9-12
| 1,785 students
Rank: #44.
Riverwood Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
108 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Grades: PK-5
| 786 students
Rank: #55.
River Dell Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12100 Buffalo Road
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Grades: PK-5
| 935 students
Rank: #66.
Powhatan Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3145 Vinson Rd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Grades: PK-5
| 655 students
Rank: #77.
Riverwood Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
204 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Grades: 6-8
| 1,056 students
Rank: #88.
Swift Creek Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
325 Norris Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 262-0750
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 262-0750
Grades: 6-8
| 745 students
Rank: #99.
East Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2075 Nc Highway 42 East
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Grades: PK-5
| 584 students
Rank: #1010.
Clayton High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
600 S Fayetteville St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-4064
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-4064
Grades: 9-12
| 1,977 students
Rank: #1111.
West Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1012 S Lombard St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Grades: PK-5
| 813 students
Rank: #1212.
Cooper Academy
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
849 North Mial St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Grades: PK-5
| 463 students
Rank: #1313.
Clayton Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
490 Guy Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-5811
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-5811
Grades: 6-8
| 646 students
Rank: n/an/a
American Leadership - Johnston
Charter School
3770 Us-70 Bus
Clayton, NC 27520
(984) 236-2100
Clayton, NC 27520
(984) 236-2100
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Clayton, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Clayton, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School.
How many public schools are located in Clayton, NC?
14 public schools are located in Clayton, NC.
What percentage of students in Clayton, NC go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Clayton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton, NC?
Clayton, NC public schools minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 55% (majority Black).
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