For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 4,983 students in Smithfield, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 67 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Smithfield, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Smithfield, NC are Johnston Co Early College Academy, Johnston County Schools Career Technical and The Innovation Academy At South Campus. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Smithfield, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Smithfield have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Smithfield, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Johnston Co Early College Academy
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
245 College Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2314
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2314
Grades: 9-13
| 244 students
Rank: #22.
Johnston County Schools Career Technical
Vocational School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
245 College Road
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2303
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2303
Grades: 9-13
| 172 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 262 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: K-12
| 912 students
Rank: #55.
Smithfield-selma High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
700 M. Durwood Stephenson Park
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-5191
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-5191
Grades: 9-12
| 1,551 students
Rank: #66.
Jcps Virtual Academy
(Math: 25% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1455 Buffalo Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 285-3700
Smithfield, NC 27577
(984) 285-3700
Grades: K-12
| 333 students
Rank: #77.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 530 students
Rank: #88.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 463 students
Rank: #99.
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
Grades: PK-5
| 446 students
Rank: #1010.
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
Grades: K-12
| 70 students
Smithfield, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
245 College Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2303
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 464-2303
Grades: 12
| 50 students
South Campus Community High School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
521 Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Grades: 9-12
| 21 students
South Campus Community Middle School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
425 S Collier Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6481
Grades: 6-8
| 12 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Smithfield, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Smithfield, NC include Johnston Co Early College Academy, Johnston County Schools Career Technical and The Innovation Academy At South Campus.
How many public schools are located in Smithfield?
10 public schools are located in Smithfield.
What percentage of students in Smithfield go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Smithfield are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Smithfield?
Smithfield public schools minority enrollment is 68% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Smithfield are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Smithfield include: West Smithfield Elementary School vs. South Smithfield Elementary School, South Smithfield Elementary School vs. West Smithfield Elementary School
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