For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public elementary schools serving 7,728 students in Clayton, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Clayton, NC are Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Riverwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Clayton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Clayton, NC (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.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 739 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 942 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 614 students
Rank: #66.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 914 students
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 513 students
Rank: #99.
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: #1010.
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: #1111.
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 elementary schools in Clayton, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Clayton, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Riverwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Clayton?
11 public elementary schools are located in Clayton.
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton?
Clayton public elementary schools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Clayton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Clayton include: Riverwood Elementary School vs. River Dell Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School vs. Cleveland Elementary School, Swift Creek Middle School vs. Clayton Middle School
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