Clayton, NC & 

Johnston County Public Schools

Searching for a home in Clayton, NC but want to know more about the public school options available for your children? Clayton is served by top-rated, fast-growing, and much-improved Johnston County Public Schools. Come find out just what this outstanding district has to offer.

happy students of johnston county public schools


About Johnston County Public Schools

Johnston County Public Schools serves over 33,000 students across Johnston County, NC in grades PreK through 12. Thanks to vast district improvements and community growth, enrollment at the district—and support for the district—has more than doubled in the past 15 years. In the past four years alone, the graduation rate has risen 13% while the graduation rate fell 50%.

Currently, the district is comprised of 46 schools (23 elementary, 13 middle, 11 high, and 2 alternative) and is served by over 2,400 teachers, 304 of which are Nationally Board Certified. The district boasts strong community support that includes funding for new schools, partnerships with businesses, and great parental involvement, and is an AdvancEd accredited school system.

Specialized Programs

In addition to a fantastic curriculum of standard math, science, language, and art classes, JCS boasts numerous specialized and career programs. This includes the Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program, a Career & Technical Education program, and a Career & College Program, which enables students to take classes at Johnston County Community College. Additionally, two high schools are Cooperative Innovative High Schools located on the campus of JCC, allowing students to simultaneously earn a diploma and an associate’s degree.

The Career & Technical Education program allows for students to begin work in specialized programs of study, which include business, agriculture, family and consumer science, health science, marketing, technology engineering and design, and trade and industrial fields.

Schools in Clayton

Clayton is home to several of Johnston County’s top-rated schools. These include:

Elementary: Cooper Academy, East Clayton Elementary, Powhatan Elementary School, River Dell Elementary, Riverwood Elementary, and West Clayton Elementary.

Middle: Clayton Middle, Riverwood Middle, and Swift Creek Middle.

High: Clayton High, Cleveland High, and the Johnston County Career & Technical Leadership Academy.


Want to Know More About Life in Clayton, NC?

Want to know more about what it’s like to live in this charming and fast-growing little town? From new home developments to downtown events and festivities, we at the Tina Barletta Team have all the answers! Contact us today to learn more about buying a home in Clayton.

Clayton Real Estate Resources