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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Clayton Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 11,626 students in Clayton, NC (there are 5 private schools, serving 716 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Clayton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clayton, NC are Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Clayton have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Clayton, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Johnston Charter Academy
Charter School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
40 Scholar Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
Gr: K-8 | 677 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #22.
Cleveland Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10225 Cleveland Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 851 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
Cleveland High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
1892 Polenta Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 934-2455
Gr: 9-12 | 1,889 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Riverwood Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
108 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
River Dell Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
12100 Buffalo Road
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Powhatan Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3145 Vinson Rd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Gr: PK-5 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #77.
Riverwood Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
204 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-2769
Gr: 6-8 | 902 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #88.
Swift Creek Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
325 Norris Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 262-0750
Gr: 6-8 | 691 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #99.
East Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2075 Nc Highway 42 East
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #1010.
Clayton High School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
600 S Fayetteville St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-4064
Gr: 9-12 | 1,929 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1111.
West Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1012 S Lombard St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Gr: PK-5 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1212.
Cooper Academy
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
849 North Mial St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Gr: PK-5 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #1313.
Clayton Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
490 Guy Rd
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 schools in Clayton, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Clayton, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Cleveland High School.
How many public schools are located in Clayton?
13 public schools are located in Clayton.
What percentage of students in Clayton go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Clayton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton?
Clayton public schools minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is equal to the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Clayton are often viewed compared to one another?

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