For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,990 students in Smithfield, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 49 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Smithfield, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Smithfield, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-13 | 223 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
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
Gr: 9-13 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
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
Gr: K-12 | 925 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,548 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
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
Gr: K-12 | 203 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 494 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
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
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
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?
11 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 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Smithfield?
Smithfield public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (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
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
