Excellent
#35 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 1% in state
The Innovation Academy at South Campus
Middle School · Johnston County Public Schools
521 Martin Luther King Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577
Enrollment
262
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
9.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
262
Student-Teacher
15.4:1
Score
9.2
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Smithfield
#1 of 10
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#2 of 475
In district
#1 of 48
Johnston County Public Schools
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About The Innovation Academy at South Campus
The Innovation Academy at South Campus is a public middle school in Smithfield, North Carolina, serving 262 students in grades 6 through 8. With a composite score of 9.2/10 and an Exceptional rating, it ranks #2 among 475 middle schools in North Carolina — a position that reflects sustained, measurable performance across academics, growth, and equity. Academic scores hit 9.7/10.
Growth scores reach 9.9/10, meaning students here advance at a rate that outpaces nearly every school in the state. That combination puts the school in the top 1% statewide, outperforming 99% of North Carolina's public schools across all grade levels. The student-teacher ratio of 15.4 to 1 keeps class sizes manageable through the middle grades — a period when close teacher contact drives the most academic momentum.
Innovation Academy holds the top spot among all 10 schools in Smithfield, and its statewide rank of 37 out of 2,648 public schools confirms the results aren't a local anomaly. Families in Smithfield looking for a middle school with a documented track record of exceptional academic growth will find few stronger options anywhere in the state.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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The Innovation Academy at South Campus — Students at The Innovation Academy at South Campus score 83% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 20 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: 9.9/10.
How The Innovation Academy at South Campus Compares
See how The Innovation Academy at South Campus performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 47% (2017) to 80.6% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 62% (2017) to 84.5% (2025).
Location
521 Martin Luther King Dr, Smithfield, NC 27577
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering The Innovation Academy at South Campus may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. North Johnston Middle (rated 5.7/10, 8.5 miles away, in nearby Micro), a more accessible option. Another option is Four Oaks Middle (rated 5.5/10, 5.1 miles away, in nearby Four Oaks), a more accessible option. Additionally, Selma Middle School (rated 3.8/10, 5.0 miles away, in nearby Selma), a more accessible option. For more schools in Smithfield, see our Smithfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston Co Early College Academy Smithfield | 0.4 mi | 8.0 |
| Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield | 0.5 mi | 8.8 |
| Choice Plus Academy Smithfield | 0.6 mi | 3.5 |
| South Smithfield Elementary Smithfield | 1.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Smithfield Middle Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 3.7 |
| JCPS Virtual Academy Smithfield | 1.9 mi | 5.4 |
| Smithfield-Selma High Smithfield | 2.1 mi | 6.0 |
| Neuse Charter School Smithfield | 2.3 mi | 5.4 |
| West Smithfield Elementary Smithfield | 3.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Selma Elementary Selma | 4.2 mi | 5.4 |
| American Leadership Academy - Johnston Raleigh | 5.0 mi | — |
| STAR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Smithfield | 5.5 mi | 4.7 |
| Selma Middle School Selma | 5.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Four Oaks Middle Four Oaks | 5.1 mi | 5.5 |
| Wilson's Mills Elementary Wilson'S Mills | 5.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Pine Level Elementary Pine Level | 5.2 mi | 9.0 |
| Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks | 6.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Powhatan Elementary Clayton | 9.1 mi | 6.4 |
| North Johnston Middle Micro | 8.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Micro Elementary Micro | 8.8 mi | 8.9 |
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 The Innovation Academy at South Campus 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 |
|---|---|
| STEM Early High Henderson, NC | 9.2 |
| Brown Summit Middle Browns Summit, NC | 9.0 |
| Lakewood Montessori Middle Durham, NC | 9.5 |
| Bethel Middle Waynesville, NC | 8.8 |
| Cranberry Middle Elk Park, NC | 8.5 |
| Foothills Community School Marion, NC | 8.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about The Innovation Academy at South Campus
What grades does The Innovation Academy at South Campus serve?
The Innovation Academy at South Campus serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend The Innovation Academy at South Campus?
The Innovation Academy at South Campus has an enrollment of approximately 262 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at The Innovation Academy at South Campus?
The student-teacher ratio at The Innovation Academy at South Campus is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does The Innovation Academy at South Campus rank in NC?
The Innovation Academy at South Campus is ranked #35 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is The Innovation Academy at South Campus's MySchoolScout rating?
The Innovation Academy at South Campus has a composite rating of 9.2 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 The Innovation Academy at South Campus?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, The Innovation Academy at South Campus has 60.5% math proficiency and 70.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is The Innovation Academy at South Campus a charter school?
No, The Innovation Academy at South Campus is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is The Innovation Academy at South Campus a Title I school?
No, The Innovation Academy at South Campus is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for The Innovation Academy at South Campus?
98.9% of students at The Innovation Academy at South Campus 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
Powered by 
FBI UCR. County-level only.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 262
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 17
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- Johnston County
- Chronic Absenteeism
- 10.7%
- Phone
- (919) 934-6481
- 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
- #1 of 48
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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