Serving 450 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, South Smithfield Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 450 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Smithfield Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
South Smithfield Elementary School's student population of 450 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 36 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
450 students
Total Classroom Teachers
36 teachers
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
South Smithfield Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Smithfield Elementary School is 0.68, 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
#2007 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)37%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
42%
22%
Black
34%
24%
White
18%
42%
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (17-18)
2%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Smithfield Elementary School's ranking?
South Smithfield Elementary School is ranked #2007 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are South Smithfield Elementary School often compared to?
South Smithfield Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like West Smithfield Elementary School, Cooper Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend South Smithfield Elementary School?
450 students attend South Smithfield Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of South Smithfield Elementary School students are Hispanic, 34% of students are Black, 18% of students are White, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of South Smithfield Elementary School?
South Smithfield Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does South Smithfield Elementary School offer ?
South Smithfield Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Smithfield Elementary School part of?
South Smithfield Elementary School is part of Johnston County School District.
School Reviews
Review South Smithfield Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.
