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Excellent

#424 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 16% in state

Johnston Co Early College Academy

High School · Johnston County Public Schools

PO Box 1336, Smithfield, NC 27577

Enrollment

282

Student-Teacher

28.2:1

Score

8.0

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#424 of 2,648

In Smithfield

#3 of 10

public schools

In district

#7 of 48

Johnston County Public Schools

Academic performance

10.0 / 10

Excellent

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Johnston Co Early College Academy

8.0/10

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

Johnston County Schools Career Technical

8.2/10

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

The Innovation Academy at South Campus

9.4/10

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

About Johnston Co Early College Academy

Johnston Co Early College Academy is a public high school in Smithfield, NC, part of Johnston County Public Schools. Johnston Co Early College Academy serves approximately 282 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 28.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Johnston Co Early College Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #424 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Johnston Co Early College Academy show 78% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 92% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.5 pts above district
  • This school 8.0 · Excellent
  • District avg 6.5
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Johnston Co Early College Academy runs 28.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.0Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.25 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics10.0Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency100% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency98.4% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+44 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+44.8 pts
Overall Proficiency99% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+52.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile100th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.0Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio28.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,352
Chronic Absenteeism1.1%

Johnston Co Early College Academy — Students at Johnston Co Early College Academy score 99% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

98.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 77.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 92.3% (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

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2010
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2013
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2014
Math
64.5%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2016
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
74.5%
2018
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2019
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2020*
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2021*
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2025
Math
100%
ELA
98.4%

* 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: 9.0/10.

How Johnston Co Early College Academy Compares

See how Johnston Co Early College Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.0/10
84th percentile in NC
Academic
10.0/10
Excellent
Growth
9.0/10
Excellent
Environment
2.0/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
28:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
1.1%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses4 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

PO Box 1336, Smithfield, NC 27577

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Johnston Co Early College Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Johnston County Schools Career Technical (rated 8.2/10, 0.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Smithfield-Selma High (rated 6.1/10, 2.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Smithfield, see our Smithfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield 0.1 mi 8.2
The Innovation Academy at South Campus Smithfield 0.4 mi 9.4
Choice Plus Academy Smithfield 1.0 mi 3.6
South Smithfield Elementary Smithfield 1.4 mi 4.2
Smithfield Middle Smithfield 1.9 mi 3.9
JCPS Virtual Academy Smithfield 1.9 mi 4.9
Smithfield-Selma High Smithfield 2.1 mi 6.1
Neuse Charter School Smithfield 2.3 mi 5.5
Selma Elementary Selma 4.0 mi 5.3
West Smithfield Elementary Smithfield 4.1 mi 4.7
Selma Middle School Selma 4.7 mi 4.0
STAR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Smithfield 5.6 mi 4.7
American Leadership Academy - Johnston Raleigh 5.3 mi
Pine Level Elementary Pine Level 4.8 mi 9.0
Wilson's Mills Elementary Wilson'S Mills 5.9 mi 5.1
Four Oaks Middle Four Oaks 5.4 mi 5.7
Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks 6.6 mi 7.0
North Johnston Middle Micro 8.2 mi 5.6
Powhatan Elementary Clayton 9.3 mi 6.5
Micro Elementary Micro 8.4 mi 9.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 27577 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$56,237

Median Home Value

$230,200

Median Rent

$802/mo

Population

26,946

College Educated

21.5%

Homeownership

67.2%

Avg Commute

27.6 min

Poverty Rate

21%

Median Age

40.7

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Academy at Smith Greensboro, NC 8.0
Cabarrus Early College of Technology Concord, NC 8.0
Early College Asheville, NC 8.0
Early College EAST High Havelock, NC 8.0
Early College at Guilford Greensboro, NC 8.0
Franklin County Early College Louisburg, NC 8.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Johnston Co Early College Academy

What grades does Johnston Co Early College Academy serve?

Johnston Co Early College Academy serves students in grades 9th through UG.

How many students attend Johnston Co Early College Academy?

Johnston Co Early College Academy has an enrollment of approximately 282 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Johnston Co Early College Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Johnston Co Early College Academy is 28.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Johnston Co Early College Academy rank in NC?

Johnston Co Early College Academy ranks #424 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Johnston Co Early College Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Johnston Co Early College Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 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 Johnston Co Early College Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Johnston Co Early College Academy has 78% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 92% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Johnston Co Early College Academy a charter school?

No, Johnston Co Early College Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Johnston Co Early College Academy a Title I school?

No, Johnston Co Early College Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Johnston Co Early College Academy?

98.9% of students at Johnston Co Early College Academy 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
21 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
282
Student-Teacher Ratio
28.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Town
County
Johnston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
1.1%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

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

How we rate schools

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