Top Rankings
Johnston County School District ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 20%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026-27 school year, there are 38 public elementary schools serving 25,366 students in Johnston County School District. This district's average elementary testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public elementary schools in North Carolina.
Public Elementary Schools in Johnston County School District have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 49% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (NC)
# Schools
48 Schools
2,146 Schools
# Students
37,062 Students
1,094,560 Students
# Teachers
2,131 Teachers
71,669 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Johnston County School District, which is ranked within the top 50% of all 314 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 91% has decreased from 92% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#130 out of 325 school districts
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)54%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
63%
Graduation Rate
91%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(2022-23)24.6%
28.7%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.68
0.72
Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2010–2023. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
31%
22%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
18%
24%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
% White
44%
42%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,084 in this school district is less than the state median of $13,318. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,362 is less than the state median of $13,934. The school district spending/student has grown by 8% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$448 MM
$20,622 MM
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Spending
$458 MM
$21,575 MM
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Revenue / Student
$12,084
$13,318
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Spending / Student
$12,362
$13,934
Showing 2014–2023. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Best Johnston County School District Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
The Innovation Academy At South Campus
(Math: 67% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
521 Martin Luther King Dr
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Gr: 6-8 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
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 | 851 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #55.
Cleveland Middle School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2323 Cornwallis Road
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 553-7500
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 553-7500
Gr: 6-8 | 936 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #77.
Dixon Road Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
835 Dixon Road
Willow Spring, NC 27592
(919) 894-7771
Willow Spring, NC 27592
(919) 894-7771
Gr: PK-5 | 644 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #88.
Pine Level Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
304 West Blanche Street, Po Bo
Pine Level, NC 27568
(919) 965-3323
Pine Level, NC 27568
(919) 965-3323
Gr: PK-5 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #99.
Archer Lodge Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
762 Wendell Rd
Wendell, NC 27591
(919) 553-0714
Wendell, NC 27591
(919) 553-0714
Gr: 6-8 | 1,204 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1010.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 902 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #1111.
Thanksgiving Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1161 Lynch Rd
Selma, NC 27576
(984) 400-7300
Selma, NC 27576
(984) 400-7300
Gr: PK-5 | 870 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1212.
West View Elementary School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
11755 Cleveland Road
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 661-6184
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 661-6184
Gr: PK-5 | 969 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1313.
Meadow School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7507 Nc Hwy 50 S
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-4226
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-4226
Gr: PK-8 | 646 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1414.
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 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1515.
Princeton High School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
101 Dr Donnie H Jones Jr Blvd
Princeton, NC 27569
(919) 936-5011
Princeton, NC 27569
(919) 936-5011
Gr: 6-12 | 988 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1616.
Princeton Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
650 Holt's Pond Rd
Princeton, NC 27569
(919) 936-0755
Princeton, NC 27569
(919) 936-0755
Gr: PK-5 | 770 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #1717.
Mcgee's Crossroads Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
10330 Nc Hwy 50 North
Angier, NC 27501
(919) 894-7161
Angier, NC 27501
(919) 894-7161
Gr: PK-5 | 950 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #1818.
Glendale-kenly Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2001 Bay Valley Rd
Kenly, NC 27542
(919) 284-2821
Kenly, NC 27542
(919) 284-2821
Gr: PK-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #1919.
Polenta Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
105 Josephine Road
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 989-6039
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 989-6039
Gr: PK-5 | 1,010 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
Corinth-holders Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3976 Nc 231
Zebulon, NC 27597
(919) 365-7560
Zebulon, NC 27597
(919) 365-7560
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #20 - 2120. - 21.
Micro Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
301 E Main St
Micro, NC 27555
(919) 588-4300
Micro, NC 27555
(919) 588-4300
Gr: PK-5 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #2222.
Benson Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2040 Hwy 50 N
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-4233
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-4233
Gr: PK-5 | 719 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #2323.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #2424.
Four Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
180 Hatcher St
Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 963-2165
Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 963-2165
Gr: PK-5 | 1,051 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #2525.
Mcgee's Crossroads Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
13353 Nc Highway 210
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-6003
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-6003
Gr: 6-8 | 757 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #2626.
Wilson's Mills Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4654 Wilson's Mills Rd
Wilsons Mills, NC 27593
(919) 934-2978
Wilsons Mills, NC 27593
(919) 934-2978
Gr: PK-5 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #2727.
North Johnston Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
435 Oil Company Road
Micro, NC 27555
(919) 284-3374
Micro, NC 27555
(919) 284-3374
Gr: 6-8 | 598 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #2828.
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 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #2929.
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 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #3030.
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 | 609 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #3131.
Four Oaks Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1475 Boyette Road
Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 963-4022
Four Oaks, NC 27524
(919) 963-4022
Gr: 6-8 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #3232.
Selma Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
311 W Richardson St
Selma, NC 27576
(919) 965-3361
Selma, NC 27576
(919) 965-3361
Gr: PK-5 | 794 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #3333.
Benson Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1600 N Wall Street
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-3889
Benson, NC 27504
(919) 894-3889
Gr: 6-8 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Rank: #3434.
Smithfield Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1455 Buffalo Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-4696
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-4696
Gr: 6-8 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #3535.
South Smithfield Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
201 W Sanders St
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8979
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-8979
Gr: PK-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Show 3 more public schools in Johnston County School District (out of 38 total schools)
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