For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 7,844 students in 27520, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 777 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in 27520, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 27520, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 27520 have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 27520, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27520, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johnston Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
40 Scholar Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Gr: K-8 | 751 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 816 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,896 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,942 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #88.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 27520, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 27520, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School.
How many public schools are located in 27520?
8 public schools are located in 27520.
What percentage of students in 27520 go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in 27520 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 27520?
27520 public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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