Best Schools in Clayton, North Carolina
16 schools · 9 Elementary · 3 Middle · 3 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 7.1/10
- Median household income
- $97,778
- Median home value
- $321,450
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 37%
- Avg commute
- 33 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 81%
64% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Clayton compares
North Carolina rank
#34 of 253
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.7
above North Carolina avg (6.4)
Median household income
$98k
144% of North Carolina median
Schools in this city
14
About Schools in Clayton, North Carolina
Clayton, North Carolina is home to 16 schools, including 13 public schools and 3 private schools. The city's schools span 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 7.1 out of 10, schools in Clayton perform strongly on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Clayton is Cooper Academy with a composite score of 8.8/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Clayton is served by 2 school districts: Johnston Charter Academy, Johnston County Public Schools. These districts collectively serve 38,040 students.
Clayton's community shows 37% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $97,778. The poverty rate in the area is 8.3%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
9 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 441 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.8 | ||
| 2 | 739 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.6 | ||
| 3 | 614 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.6 | ||
| 4 | 718 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.5 | ||
| 5 | 816 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.1 | ||
| 6 | 942 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.1 | ||
| 7 | 513 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.2 | ||
| 8 | 751 students · Kindergarten–8th | 6.3 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | KIDS R KIDS
Private
28 students · Pre-K–Kindergarten | Not Rated | ||
Middle Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 582 students · 6th–8th | 7.5 |
| 2 | 698 students · 6th–8th | 7.0 |
| 3 | 914 students · 6th–8th | 5.9 |
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,942 students · 9th–12th | 5.2 | ||
| 2 | 1,896 students · 9th–12th | 4.2 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ACADEMY OF HOPE
Private
6 students · 7th–11th | Not Rated | ||
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Private
368 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated |
Schools in Clayton
Clayton, North Carolina · 16 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 2 ZIP codes
Median Income
$97,778
Median Home Value
$321,450
Median Rent
$1,524/mo
Population
84,630
College Educated
37%
Homeownership
81%
Avg Commute
33 min
Poverty Rate
8.3%
Community Profile
Clayton has a median household income of $97,778. It is an area where 37% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $321,450, with a median rent of $1,524/month. The local poverty rate of 8.3% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 33 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- North Carolina
- Total Schools
- 16
- Elementary
- 9
- Middle
- 3
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 7.1/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in North Carolina
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Clayton, North Carolina
How many schools are in Clayton, North Carolina?
Clayton has 16 schools, including 13 public and 3 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Clayton, North Carolina?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Clayton is 7.1 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Clayton, North Carolina?
The top-ranked school in Clayton on MySchoolScout is Cooper Academy with a composite score of 8.8/10.
What is the best elementary school in Clayton, North Carolina?
The top-ranked elementary school in Clayton on MySchoolScout is Cooper Academy with a composite score of 8.8/10.
What is the best middle school in Clayton, North Carolina?
The top-ranked middle school in Clayton on MySchoolScout is Clayton Middle with a composite score of 7.5/10.
What is the best high school in Clayton, North Carolina?
The top-ranked high school in Clayton on MySchoolScout is Clayton High with a composite score of 5.2/10.
How many school districts serve Clayton, North Carolina?
Clayton is served by 2 school districts: Johnston Charter Academy, Johnston County Public Schools.
What is the education level in Clayton, North Carolina?
According to Census data, 37% of adults in Clayton have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Clayton, North Carolina?
The median household income in Clayton is approximately $97,778 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Clayton, North Carolina?
Yes, Clayton has 3 private schools alongside 13 public schools. The top-rated private school is Southside Christian School with a score of 5.4/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Clayton, North Carolina?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Clayton is 15.3:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Clayton, North Carolina?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, North Carolina Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.