Johnston County Schools & Education
Johnston County, North Carolina
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,643
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#26
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Johnston County, North Carolina
Expansive school network for a growing population
Johnston County maintains a massive educational footprint with 51 public schools serving over 40,609 students. The landscape is built around 25 elementary, 12 middle, and 11 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the fastest-growing student populations in North Carolina.
Strong performance across fifty-one campuses
The county reports a 92% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Despite spending $6,643 per pupil—slightly less than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 53.8. These figures indicate a high-performing system that effectively translates resources into student success.
A powerhouse public school district
Johnston County Public Schools dominates the landscape, educating 37,286 students across 48 different schools. The county also offers three charter schools, including Neuse Charter and the American Leadership Academy, which serve roughly 6% of the student population. This district-heavy model ensures consistent standards across most of the county.
A blend of rural and suburban schools
The county features 31 rural schools alongside a growing number of suburban and town-based campuses. Corinth Holders High is the largest school with 2,219 students, contributing to an average school size of 796 pupils. Students here experience a mix of large-scale high schools and specialized charter academies.
Invest in a community with rising scores
Johnston County’s consistent academic growth makes it a top choice for families relocating to the Triangle area. High graduation rates and modern facilities are major draws for prospective homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods in Clayton or Smithfield to find the right educational fit for your children.
School Overview
Total Schools
51
in Johnston County
Total Enrollment
40,609
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
3
6% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in Johnston County
Johnston County Public Schools
American Leadership Academy - Johnston
Neuse Charter School
Johnston Charter Academy
51 Public Schools in Johnston County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corinth Holders High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,219 |
| Clayton High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,024 |
| Cleveland High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,879 |
| American Leadership Academy - Johnston | American Leadership Academy - Johnston | KG–10 | Charter | 1,740 |
| Smithfield-Selma High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,503 |
| West Johnston High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,469 |
| South Johnston High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,331 |
| Archer Lodge Middle | Johnston County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 1,219 |
| Four Oaks Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 1,041 |
| Princeton High | Johnston County Public Schools | 6–12 | High | 1,024 |
| Polenta Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 1,014 |
| West View Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 949 |
| Riverwood Middle | Johnston County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 948 |
| Cleveland Middle | Johnston County Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 936 |
| River Dell Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 922 |
| Neuse Charter School | Neuse Charter School | KG–12 | Charter | 904 |
| McGee's Crossroads Elem | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 890 |
| Cleveland Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 822 |
| Riverwood Elementary | Johnston County Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 810 |
| North Johnston High | Johnston County Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 787 |
American Leadership Academy - Johnston
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,643
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Johnston County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Johnston County, North Carolina?
Johnston County maintains a massive educational footprint with 51 public schools serving over 40,609 students. The landscape is built around 25 elementary, 12 middle, and 11 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the fastest-growing student populations in North Carolina.
How do schools in Johnston County perform academically?
The county reports a 92% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. Despite spending $6,643 per pupil—slightly less than the state average—the county maintains a school score of 53.8. These figures indicate a high-performing system that effectively translates resources into student success.
What are the major school districts in Johnston County, North Carolina?
Johnston County Public Schools dominates the landscape, educating 37,286 students across 48 different schools. The county also offers three charter schools, including Neuse Charter and the American Leadership Academy, which serve roughly 6% of the student population. This district-heavy model ensures consistent standards across most of the county.
What is the school experience like in Johnston County?
The county features 31 rural schools alongside a growing number of suburban and town-based campuses. Corinth Holders High is the largest school with 2,219 students, contributing to an average school size of 796 pupils. Students here experience a mix of large-scale high schools and specialized charter academies.
How can I find homes near good schools in Johnston County, North Carolina?
Johnston County’s consistent academic growth makes it a top choice for families relocating to the Triangle area. High graduation rates and modern facilities are major draws for prospective homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods in Clayton or Smithfield to find the right educational fit for your children.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.