For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 2,879 students in Clayton, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clayton, NC are Johnston Charter Academy, Riverwood Middle School and Swift Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Clayton have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Clayton, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johnston Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
40 Scholar Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Gr: K-8 | 677 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #22.
Riverwood Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
204 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Gr: 6-8 | 902 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #33.
Swift Creek Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
325 Norris Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 262-0750
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 262-0750
Gr: 6-8 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #44.
Clayton Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
490 Guy Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-5811
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-5811
Gr: 6-8 | 609 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Clayton, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Clayton, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Riverwood Middle School and Swift Creek Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Clayton?
4 public middle schools are located in Clayton.
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton?
Clayton public middle schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Clayton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Clayton include: Swift Creek Middle School vs. Clayton Middle School, Clayton Middle School vs. Riverwood Middle School
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