Excellent
#24 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 1% in state
Benson Elementary
Elementary School · Johnston County Public Schools
2040 Hwy 50 N, Benson, NC 27504
Enrollment
603
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
603
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
9.2
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Benson
#1 of 5
public schools
North Carolina elementary schools
#21 of 1,474
In district
#2 of 48
Johnston County Public Schools
Academic growth
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Benson Elementary
Benson Elementary serves 603 students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade in Benson, North Carolina. With a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio, classrooms stay small enough for teachers to give focused attention at every grade level — a meaningful advantage in the early years when foundational skills take root. The school earns a composite score of 9.2/10, rated Exceptional, and backs it up with statewide numbers that are hard to ignore.
It ranks #24 out of 2,648 public schools in North Carolina, putting it ahead of 99% of schools across the state. Among elementary schools specifically, it sits #21 of 1,474 statewide — and holds the top spot among all five public schools serving Benson. What makes those rankings more than a snapshot is the growth score: a perfect 10.0.
Students here outpace expected academic progress year over year, which means the school isn't just enrolling high-performing kids — it's actively accelerating them. Academic performance scores an 8.7/10, confirming that the growth translates into real achievement. For parents weighing elementary options in Johnston County, Benson Elementary is one of the strongest documented performers in the state.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Benson Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Benson Elementary — Students at Benson Elementary score 64% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 10.0/10.
How Benson Elementary Compares
See how Benson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 19% (2019) to 70.6% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 22% (2019) to 56.6% (2025).
Location
2040 Hwy 50 N, Benson, NC 27504
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Benson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Meadow School (rated 8.9/10, 7.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Dixon Road Elementary (rated 8.8/10, 9.5 miles away, in nearby Willow Spring), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Four Oaks Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 7.8 miles away, in nearby Four Oaks), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Benson, see our Benson schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Benson Middle Benson | 1.5 mi | 7.2 |
| South Johnston High Four Oaks | 3.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Dunn Middle Dunn | 5.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Harnett County Early College Dunn | 6.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Dunn Elementary Dunn | 6.8 mi | 5.8 |
| BROOKSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Dunn | 7.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Coats-Erwin Middle Dunn | 6.2 mi | 4.1 |
| McGee's Crossroads Middle Benson | 7.9 mi | 7.3 |
| McGee's Crossroads Elem Angier | 7.9 mi | 8.0 |
| Coats Elementary Coats | 7.0 mi | 4.8 |
| West Johnston High Benson | 8.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Triton High Erwin | 7.5 mi | 4.0 |
| Meadow School Benson | 7.9 mi | 8.9 |
| Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks | 7.8 mi | 8.4 |
| Erwin Elementary Erwin | 8.3 mi | 5.1 |
| Dixon Road Elementary Willow Spring | 9.5 mi | 8.8 |
| FAITH EDUCATION ACADEMY Dunn | 9.4 mi | 6.0 |
| Four Oaks Middle Four Oaks | 9.2 mi | 7.8 |
| Cleveland High Clayton | 11.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Plain View Elementary Dunn | 11.3 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27504 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$68,376
Median Home Value
$217,400
Median Rent
$995/mo
Population
15,999
College Educated
18.3%
Homeownership
77.5%
Avg Commute
29.7 min
Poverty Rate
16%
Median Age
38.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Benson Elementary has a median household income of $68,376. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $217,400, with a median rent of $995/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.0%. The average commute for residents is 30 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Efland Cheeks Elementary Efland, NC | 9.2 |
| Moss Hill Elementary Kinston, NC | 9.2 |
| North Newton Elementary Newton, NC | 9.2 |
| Oaklawn Language Academy Charlotte, NC | 9.2 |
| Piney Grove Elementary Kernersville, NC | 9.2 |
| Southwest Elementary Durham, NC | 9.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Benson Elementary
What grades does Benson Elementary serve?
Benson Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Benson Elementary?
Benson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 603 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Benson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Benson Elementary is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Benson Elementary rank in NC?
Benson Elementary is ranked #24 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Benson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Benson Elementary has a composite rating of 9.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Benson Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Benson Elementary has 54.8% math proficiency and 47.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Benson Elementary a charter school?
No, Benson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Benson Elementary a Title I school?
No, Benson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Benson Elementary?
99.5% of students at Benson Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 603
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 48
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Johnston County
- Phone
- (919) 894-4233
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Johnston County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 37,289
- Schools in District
- 48
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,352
- District Rank
- #2 of 48
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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