Average
#1784 of 2,648 schools in NC
Smithfield Middle
Middle School · Johnston County Public Schools
1455 Buffalo Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Enrollment
530
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
530
Student-Teacher
12.3:1
Score
5.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Smithfield
#7 of 10
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#287 of 475
In district
#41 of 48
Johnston County Public Schools
School environment
8.2 / 10
Very strong
About Smithfield Middle
Smithfield Middle, located in the rural area near Smithfield, North Carolina, is a regular public middle school serving students from sixth to eighth grade. With an enrollment of 530 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.3:1, the school benefits from a supportive educational environment with dedicated teachers who are committed to helping their students succeed. Smithfield Middle focuses on providing quality education despite facing challenges in academic performance.
According to MySchoolScout's rating system, the school has an overall score of 3.5 out of 10 and ranks at #2212 among North Carolina’s 2661 schools, placing it in the 17th percentile. In terms of specific subject proficiency, 39% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 25% meet or exceed standards in Math. Though there is room for improvement in academic scores, Smithfield Middle remains a vital part of its rural community, offering a nurturing atmosphere that supports student development.
The school’s setting near the town of Smithfield provides students with access to local resources and a close-knit community environment.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Smithfield Middle 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Smithfield Middle — Students at Smithfield Middle score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.4%
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: 5.7/10.
How Smithfield Middle Compares
See how Smithfield Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 21% (2019) to 27.1% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 34% (2019) to 41.4% (2025).
Location
1455 Buffalo Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Smithfield Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. The Innovation Academy at South Campus (rated 8.6/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Johnston Middle (rated 8.0/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Micro), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Four Oaks Middle (rated 7.8/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Four Oaks), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Smithfield, see our Smithfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| JCPS Virtual Academy Smithfield | 0.0 mi | 3.7 |
| Smithfield-Selma High Smithfield | 0.6 mi | 5.8 |
| Neuse Charter School Smithfield | 0.8 mi | 5.0 |
| Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 7.8 |
| The Innovation Academy at South Campus Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 8.6 |
| Johnston Co Early College Academy Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Choice Plus Academy Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 4.8 |
| South Smithfield Elementary Smithfield | 2.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Selma Elementary Selma | 3.1 mi | 8.0 |
| STAR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Smithfield | 3.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Wilson's Mills Elementary Wilson'S Mills | 4.0 mi | 8.1 |
| American Leadership Academy - Johnston Raleigh | 3.8 mi | — |
| Selma Middle School Selma | 3.7 mi | 7.4 |
| West Smithfield Elementary Smithfield | 4.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Pine Level Elementary Pine Level | 5.0 mi | 9.4 |
| Four Oaks Middle Four Oaks | 6.8 mi | 7.8 |
| Powhatan Elementary Clayton | 7.5 mi | 8.6 |
| Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks | 7.7 mi | 8.4 |
| North Johnston Middle Micro | 7.5 mi | 8.0 |
| Thanksgiving Elementary Selma | 9.0 mi | 7.3 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Smithfield Middle has a median household income of $56,237. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $230,200, with a median rent of $802/month. The area has a poverty rate of 21.0%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| Ledford Middle Thomasville, NC | 5.7 |
| Williston Middle Wilmington, NC | 5.7 |
| Allen Jay Middle - A Preparatory Academy High Point, NC | 5.8 |
| Ayden Middle Ayden, NC | 5.8 |
| E B Frink Middle La Grange, NC | 5.8 |
| Hudson Middle Hudson, NC | 5.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Smithfield Middle
What grades does Smithfield Middle serve?
Smithfield Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Smithfield Middle?
Smithfield Middle has an enrollment of approximately 530 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Smithfield Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Smithfield Middle is 12.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Smithfield Middle rank in NC?
Smithfield Middle is ranked #1784 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Smithfield Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Smithfield Middle has a composite rating of 5.7 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 Smithfield Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Smithfield Middle has 24.8% math proficiency and 38.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Smithfield Middle a charter school?
No, Smithfield Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Smithfield Middle a Title I school?
No, Smithfield Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Smithfield Middle?
99.4% of students at Smithfield 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
- City Safety
- High (4,069/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Smithfield). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 530
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Johnston County
- Phone
- (919) 934-4696
- 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
- #41 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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