Skip to main content

Below Average

#2135 of 2,648 schools in NC

West Smithfield Elementary

Elementary School · Johnston County Public Schools

2665 Galilee Road, Smithfield, NC 27577

Enrollment

446

Student-Teacher

10.6:1

Score

4.7

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,135 of 2,648

In Smithfield

#7 of 10

public schools

In district

#43 of 48

Johnston County Public Schools

School environment

8.8 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around West Smithfield Elementary?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

West Smithfield Elementary

4.7/10

Elementary School in Smithfield · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

South Smithfield Elementary

4.2/10

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

Four Oaks Middle

5.7/10

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

About West Smithfield Elementary

West Smithfield Elementary is a public elementary school in Smithfield, NC, part of Johnston County Public Schools. West Smithfield Elementary serves approximately 446 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 10.6:1 student-teacher ratio. West Smithfield Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,135 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for West Smithfield Elementary show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.5
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

West Smithfield Elementary sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.3Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.28 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.4Below Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency41.6% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency37% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-22.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-9.6 pts
Overall Proficiency39% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile25th
Resources & Environment8.8Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio10.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,352
Chronic Absenteeism25.6%

West Smithfield Elementary — Students at West Smithfield Elementary score 39% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 34.2% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
59.4% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 30.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
76%
ELA
59%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
59%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
57%
2012
Math
22%
ELA
22%
2013
Math
21%
ELA
16%
2014
Math
24%
ELA
24%
2015
Math
27%
ELA
26%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
20%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
25%
2018
Math
11%
ELA
14%
2019
Math
11%
ELA
14%
2020*
Math
13%
ELA
16%
2021*
Math
13%
ELA
16%
2022
Math
33.4%
ELA
27%
2025
Math
41.6%
ELA
36.3%

* 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: 3.3/10.

How West Smithfield Elementary Compares

See how West Smithfield Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
19th percentile in NC
Academic
4.4/10
Below Average
Growth
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
8.8/10
Excellent
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
11:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.6%

Programs & Offerings

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

2665 Galilee Road, Smithfield, NC 27577

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering West Smithfield Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Four Oaks Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Four Oaks), which scores notably higher. Another option is Powhatan Elementary (rated 6.5/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Clayton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Polenta Elementary (rated 6.4/10, 7.5 miles away, in nearby Garner), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Smithfield, see our Smithfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.3 mi
School Distance Rating
South Smithfield Elementary Smithfield 2.7 mi 4.2
Four Oaks Middle Four Oaks 3.7 mi 5.7
Choice Plus Academy Smithfield 3.2 mi 3.6
Four Oaks Elementary Four Oaks 3.8 mi 7.0
American Leadership Academy - Johnston Raleigh 4.3 mi
The Innovation Academy at South Campus Smithfield 3.7 mi 9.4
Johnston Co Early College Academy Smithfield 4.1 mi 8.0
Johnston County Schools Career Technical Smithfield 4.2 mi 8.2
Smithfield Middle Smithfield 4.4 mi 3.9
JCPS Virtual Academy Smithfield 4.4 mi 4.9
Smithfield-Selma High Smithfield 5.0 mi 6.1
Neuse Charter School Smithfield 5.2 mi 5.5
STAR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Smithfield 6.2 mi 4.7
Wilson's Mills Elementary Wilson'S Mills 6.3 mi 5.1
Swift Creek Middle Clayton 6.3 mi 7.7
Cleveland High Clayton 6.3 mi 6.5
Polenta Elementary Garner 7.5 mi 6.4
Powhatan Elementary Clayton 8.7 mi 6.5
Selma Elementary Selma 7.5 mi 5.3
South Johnston High Four Oaks 8.3 mi 5.1

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
Alexander Wilson Elementary Graham, NC 4.7
Ben D Quinn Elementary New Bern, NC 4.7
Broadway Elementary Broadway, NC 4.7
Cape Hatteras Elementary School Buxton, NC 4.7
Collettsville School Collettsville, NC 4.7
East Elementary Monroe, NC 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about West Smithfield Elementary

What grades does West Smithfield Elementary serve?

West Smithfield Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend West Smithfield Elementary?

West Smithfield Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 446 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at West Smithfield Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at West Smithfield Elementary is 10.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does West Smithfield Elementary rank in NC?

West Smithfield Elementary ranks #2,135 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is West Smithfield Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

West Smithfield Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 West Smithfield Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, West Smithfield Elementary has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is West Smithfield Elementary a charter school?

No, West Smithfield Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is West Smithfield Elementary a Title I school?

No, West Smithfield Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for West Smithfield Elementary?

99.3% of students at West Smithfield Elementary 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
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
26 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
446
Student-Teacher Ratio
10.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Johnston County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.6%

District

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

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.