Average
#1140 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 43% in state
Princeton High
High School · Johnston County Public Schools
PO Box 38, Princeton, NC 27569
Enrollment
1,021
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
1,021
Student-Teacher
16:1
Score
6.8
Grades
6th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Princeton
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#92 of 579
In district
#37 of 48
Johnston County Public Schools
Academic growth
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About Princeton High
Princeton High serves 1,021 students in grades 6-12 in Princeton, North Carolina, a rural Johnston County community. With 64 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a manageable 16:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for meaningful student-teacher interactions. Academically, Princeton High holds a middle-tier position among North Carolina schools, ranking #1,179 out of 2,661 statewide and earning a 5.9 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout.
The school shows particular strength in mathematics, with 58% of students performing at proficient or above levels, while 54% achieve proficiency in English Language Arts and reading. These scores indicate solid foundational learning with room for continued academic growth. The school draws from a stable rural community where the median household income reaches $63,843 and home values average $171,500.
With a relatively low poverty rate of 9.8%, families in the area generally enjoy economic stability, though only 21% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, suggesting potential for increased educational advancement. Princeton High operates in a rural setting near town, providing students with the benefits of a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to broader educational and extracurricular opportunities that support their development through the critical middle and high school years.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Princeton High 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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Princeton High — Students at Princeton High score 50% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.7%
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: 7.7/10.
How Princeton High Compares
See how Princeton High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 42% (2019) to 38.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 61% (2025).
Location
PO Box 38, Princeton, NC 27569
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Princeton High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Johnston County Schools Career Technical (rated 7.8/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby Smithfield), which scores slightly higher. Another option is North Johnston High (rated 7.3/10, 7.3 miles away, in nearby Kenly), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Johnston Co Early College Academy (rated 7.1/10, 10.2 miles away, in nearby Smithfield), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Princeton, see our Princeton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton Elementary Princeton | 1.1 mi | 8.5 |
| Rosewood Elementary Goldsboro | 5.1 mi | 7.9 |
| Rosewood High Goldsboro | 5.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Rosewood Middle Goldsboro | 6.1 mi | 6.9 |
| Micro Elementary Micro | 6.8 mi | 8.9 |
| Pine Level Elementary Pine Level | 6.0 mi | 9.4 |
| North Johnston High Kenly | 7.3 mi | 7.3 |
| North Johnston Middle Micro | 7.2 mi | 8.0 |
| Northwest Elementary Pikeville | 7.3 mi | 8.4 |
| Selma Middle School Selma | 8.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Selma Elementary Selma | 8.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Glendale-Kenly Elementary Kenly | 10.7 mi | 8.0 |
| FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Goldsboro | 9.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Grantham Elementary Goldsboro | 11.9 mi | 8.5 |
| Grantham Middle Goldsboro | 12.0 mi | 7.0 |
| Dillard Academy Goldsboro | 10.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Neuse Charter School Smithfield | 10.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield | 10.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Smithfield-Selma High Smithfield | 10.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Johnston Co Early College Academy Smithfield | 10.2 mi | 7.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 27569 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$73,507
Median Home Value
$194,000
Median Rent
$967/mo
Population
8,396
College Educated
21.1%
Homeownership
68.1%
Avg Commute
29.8 min
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Median Age
36.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Princeton High has a median household income of $73,507. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $194,000, with a median rent of $967/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.2%. 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 |
|---|---|
| Central Academy of Technology and Arts Monroe, NC | 6.8 |
| Nash Central High Rocky Mount, NC | 6.8 |
| Wilkes Central High School Wilkesboro, NC | 6.8 |
| Northwest School of the Arts Charlotte, NC | 6.7 |
| Pisgah High Canton, NC | 6.7 |
| East Chapel Hill High Chapel Hill, NC | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Princeton High
What grades does Princeton High serve?
Princeton High serves students in grades 6th through 12th.
How many students attend Princeton High?
Princeton High has an enrollment of approximately 1,021 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Princeton High?
The student-teacher ratio at Princeton High is 16:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Princeton High rank in NC?
Princeton High is ranked #1140 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Princeton High's MySchoolScout rating?
Princeton High has a composite rating of 6.8 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 Princeton High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Princeton High has 49.8% math proficiency and 50.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Princeton High a charter school?
No, Princeton High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Princeton High a Title I school?
No, Princeton High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Princeton High?
99.7% of students at Princeton 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.
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,021
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 64
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Johnston County
- Phone
- (919) 936-5011
- 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
- #37 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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