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Average

#1662 of 2,648 schools in NC

Clayton High

High School · Johnston County Public Schools

600 S Fayetteville St, Clayton, NC 27520

Enrollment

1,942

Student-Teacher

18.5:1

Score

5.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,662 of 2,648

In Clayton

#8 of 13

public schools

In district

#28 of 48

Johnston County Public Schools

Academic performance

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Clayton High

5.7/10

High School in Clayton · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

West Clayton Elementary

4.8/10

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Cooper Academy

5.0/10

0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Clayton High

Clayton High is a public high school in Clayton, NC, part of Johnston County Public Schools. Clayton High serves approximately 1,942 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 18.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Clayton High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,662 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Clayton High show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 5.7 · Average
  • District avg 6.5
  • NC avg 6.4

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.9Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.12 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics7.1Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency58.5% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency65.7% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+2.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+12.1 pts
Overall Proficiency62% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)64% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-2.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile57th
College Readiness7.5Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate93%
AP Participation14.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,352
Chronic Absenteeism27.7%

Clayton High — Students at Clayton High score 62% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 64%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 53.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 57.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
94%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
92%
ELA
93%
2012
Math
39%
ELA
58%
2013
Math
36%
ELA
58%
2014
Math
38%
ELA
54%
2015
Math
55%
ELA
57%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
44%
2018
Math
50%
ELA
44%
2019
Math
50%
ELA
44%
2020*
Math
50%
ELA
48%
2021*
Math
50%
ELA
48%
2025
Math
58.5%
ELA
65.7%

* 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: 3.9/10.

How Clayton High Compares

See how Clayton High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.7/10
37th percentile in NC
Academic
7.1/10
Very Good
Growth
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
105 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
27.7%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
14.6% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

600 S Fayetteville St, Clayton, NC 27520

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Clayton High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. South Garner High (rated 6.7/10, 6.4 miles away, in nearby Garner), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cleveland High (rated 6.5/10, 6.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Clayton, see our Clayton schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.5 mi
School Distance Rating
West Clayton Elementary Clayton 0.5 mi 4.8
Cooper Academy Clayton 0.9 mi 5.0
Clayton Middle Clayton 1.2 mi 4.4
ACADEMY OF HOPE Clayton 1.8 mi
KIDS R KIDS Clayton 1.7 mi
Johnston Charter Academy Clayton 1.8 mi 7.3
SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Clayton 1.9 mi 5.4
Riverwood Middle Clayton 3.8 mi 5.0
Riverwood Elementary Clayton 3.9 mi 7.7
East Clayton Elementary Clayton 3.5 mi 4.8
Swift Creek Middle Clayton 5.2 mi 7.7
Powhatan Elementary Clayton 4.4 mi 6.5
Polenta Elementary Garner 6.3 mi 6.4
Cleveland High Clayton 6.9 mi 6.5
Cleveland Elementary Clayton 6.6 mi 7.2
Cleveland Middle Garner 7.0 mi 5.6
Archer Lodge Middle Wendell 6.7 mi 6.5
West View Elementary Garner 6.7 mi 5.4
South Garner High Garner 6.4 mi 6.7
River Dell Elementary Clayton 6.5 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27520 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$84,545

Median Home Value

$282,200

Median Rent

$1,430/mo

Population

48,662

College Educated

29%

Homeownership

76.3%

Avg Commute

31 min

Poverty Rate

6.8%

Median Age

37.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Independence High School Charlotte, NC 5.7
Sanderson High Raleigh, NC 5.7
Asheboro High Asheboro, NC 5.8
Lumberton Senior High Lumberton, NC 5.8
Franklinton High Franklinton, NC 5.6
Jay M Robinson High Concord, NC 5.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Clayton High

What grades does Clayton High serve?

Clayton High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Clayton High?

Clayton High has an enrollment of approximately 1,942 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Clayton High?

The student-teacher ratio at Clayton High is 18.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Clayton High rank in NC?

Clayton High ranks #1,662 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Clayton High's MySchoolScout rating?

Clayton High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Clayton High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Clayton High has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Clayton High a charter school?

No, Clayton High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Clayton High a Title I school?

No, Clayton High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clayton High?

40.8% of students at Clayton High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
54 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,942
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
105
Free/Reduced Lunch
40.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small Suburb
County
Johnston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
27.7%
4-Year Graduation
93.0%

District

Johnston County Public Schools
District Enrollment
37,289
Schools in District
48
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,352
District Rank
#28 of 48

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

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