Johnston County Early College Academy is a public vocational, early college high school in Smithfield, North Carolina, United States. It was established in 2008 and is part of the JJohnston County School District. It operates at the Johnston Community College campus at the Smith Building.
Serving 223 students in grades 9-13, Johnston Co Early College Academy ranks in the top 5% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 32:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 223 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 32:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Johnston Co Early College Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Johnston Co Early College Academy's student population of 223 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
223 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Year Founded
2008
School Rankings
Johnston Co Early College Academy ranks within the top 5% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Johnston Co Early College Academy is 0.60, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#45 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)80-89%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
32:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
29%
22%
Black
9%
24%
White
56%
42%
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥90%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Johnston Co Early College Academy's ranking?
Johnston Co Early College Academy is ranked #45 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Johnston Co Early College Academy often compared to?
Johnston Co Early College Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Cleveland High School, Clayton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Johnston Co Early College Academy?
The graduation rate of Johnston Co Early College Academy is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Johnston Co Early College Academy?
223 students attend Johnston Co Early College Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Johnston Co Early College Academy students are White, 29% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Johnston Co Early College Academy?
Johnston Co Early College Academy has a student ration of 32:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Johnston Co Early College Academy offer ?
Johnston Co Early College Academy offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Johnston Co Early College Academy part of?
Johnston Co Early College Academy is part of Johnston County School District.
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