Below Average
#2232 of 2,648 schools in NC
Clayton Middle
Middle School · Johnston County Public Schools
490 Guy Rd, Clayton, NC 27520
Enrollment
582
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
4.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
582
Student-Teacher
14.9:1
Score
4.4
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,232 of 2,648
In Clayton
#13 of 13
public schools
In district
#44 of 48
Johnston County Public Schools
Equity
7.3 / 10
Very Good
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Clayton Middle
Middle School in Clayton · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Southside Christian School
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
West Clayton Elementary
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Clayton Middle
Clayton Middle is a public middle school in Clayton, NC, part of Johnston County Public Schools. Clayton Middle serves approximately 582 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 14.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Clayton Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,232 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Clayton Middle show 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.4 · Below Average
- District avg 5.7
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
34% of students at Clayton Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Clayton Middle — Students at Clayton Middle score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
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 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 2.0/10.
How Clayton Middle Compares
See how Clayton Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
490 Guy Rd, Clayton, NC 27520
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Clayton Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Swift Creek Middle (rated 7.7/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Cleveland Middle (rated 5.6/10, 6.0 miles away, in nearby Garner), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Riverwood Middle (rated 5.0/10, 4.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Clayton, see our Clayton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 6.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| SOUTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Clayton | 0.8 mi | 5.4 |
| West Clayton Elementary Clayton | 0.8 mi | 4.8 |
| Johnston Charter Academy Clayton | 1.2 mi | 7.3 |
| KIDS R KIDS Clayton | 1.3 mi | — |
| Clayton High Clayton | 1.2 mi | 5.7 |
| ACADEMY OF HOPE Clayton | 2.3 mi | — |
| Cooper Academy Clayton | 2.1 mi | 5.0 |
| Swift Creek Middle Clayton | 4.8 mi | 7.7 |
| Riverwood Middle Clayton | 4.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Riverwood Elementary Clayton | 4.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Polenta Elementary Garner | 5.5 mi | 6.4 |
| East Clayton Elementary Clayton | 4.6 mi | 4.8 |
| Cleveland Elementary Clayton | 5.6 mi | 7.2 |
| Cleveland High Clayton | 6.4 mi | 6.5 |
| West View Elementary Garner | 5.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Cleveland Middle Garner | 6.0 mi | 5.6 |
| Powhatan Elementary Clayton | 5.4 mi | 6.5 |
| South Garner High Garner | 5.4 mi | 6.7 |
| Bryan Road Elementary Garner | 6.0 mi | 9.1 |
| SURE PROMISE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Raleigh | 6.9 mi | — |
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 |
|---|---|
| Gamewell Middle Lenoir, NC | 4.4 |
| Otis L Hairston Sr Middle Greensboro, NC | 4.4 |
| Wendell Middle Wendell, NC | 4.4 |
| West Iredell Middle Statesville, NC | 4.4 |
| Enka Middle Candler, NC | 4.5 |
| Spring Lake Middle Spring Lake, NC | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Clayton Middle
What grades does Clayton Middle serve?
Clayton Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Clayton Middle?
Clayton Middle has an enrollment of approximately 582 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Clayton Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Clayton Middle is 14.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Clayton Middle rank in NC?
Clayton Middle ranks #2,232 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Clayton Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Clayton Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.4 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 Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Clayton Middle has 46% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 52% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Clayton Middle a charter school?
No, Clayton Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Clayton Middle a Title I school?
No, Clayton Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Clayton Middle?
99.5% of students at Clayton Middle 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
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 582
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small Suburb
- County
- Johnston County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.2%
- Phone
- (919) 553-5811
Resources & Links
District
Johnston County Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 37,289
- Schools in District
- 48
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,352
- District Rank
- #44 of 48
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