For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 7,844 students in 27520, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 737 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 (2025)
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
(919) 879-8190
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Grades: K-8
| 751 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
| 816 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
| 1,896 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 698 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,942 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 718 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 441 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 582 students
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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