For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 4,006 students in 27520, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27520, NC are Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Swift Creek Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 27520 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 27520, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 27520, NC Public Elementary Schools (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 | 751 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Cleveland Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10225 Cleveland Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 816 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
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 | 698 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
West Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1012 S Lombard St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Gr: PK-5 | 718 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #55.
Cooper Academy
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
849 North Mial St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Gr: PK-5 | 441 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #66.
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 | 582 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 27520, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 27520, NC include Johnston Charter Academy, Cleveland Elementary School and Swift Creek Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 27520?
6 public elementary schools are located in 27520.
What is the racial composition of students in 27520?
27520 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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