For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,802 students in Smithfield, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Smithfield, NC are The Innovation Academy At South Campus, Neuse Charter School and Smithfield Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smithfield, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Smithfield have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Smithfield, NC (2026)
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.
Neuse Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
909 M. Durwood Stephenson Park
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 626-2300
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 626-2300
Gr: K-12 | 925 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
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: #44.
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%
Rank: #55.
West Smithfield Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2665 Galilee Road
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 989-6418
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 989-6418
Gr: PK-5 | 494 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #66.
Choice Plus Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
211 East Rose Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 230-0500
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 230-0500
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Smithfield, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1455 Buffalo Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 285-3700
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 285-3700
Gr: K-12 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Smithfield, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Smithfield, NC include The Innovation Academy At South Campus, Neuse Charter School and Smithfield Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Smithfield?
6 public elementary schools are located in Smithfield.
What is the racial composition of students in Smithfield?
Smithfield public elementary schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Smithfield are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Smithfield include: West Smithfield Elementary School vs. South Smithfield Elementary School, South Smithfield Elementary School vs. West Smithfield Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.