Serving 1,371 students in grades 9-12, Ben L. Smith High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15-19% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,371 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ben L. Smith High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Ben L. Smith High School's student population of 1,371 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 87 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,371 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
87 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Ben L. Smith High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ben L. Smith High School is 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2238 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
6%
4%
Hispanic
39%
20%
Black
48%
25%
White
3%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
83%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ben L. Smith High School's ranking?
Ben L. Smith High School is ranked #2238 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Ben L. Smith High School often compared to?
Ben L. Smith High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Academy At Smith by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ben L. Smith High School?
The graduation rate of Ben L. Smith High School is 83%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Ben L. Smith High School?
1,371 students attend Ben L. Smith High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Ben L. Smith High School students are Black, 39% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ben L. Smith High School?
Ben L. Smith High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Ben L. Smith High School offer ?
Ben L. Smith High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Ben L. Smith High School part of?
Ben L. Smith High School is part of Guilford County Schools School District.
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