Education
Johnston County offers a variety of education options for its residents.
Located just east of the Research Triangle Area, Johnston County Schools are situated in the nexus of
businesses, educational institutions and governmental organizations that give students quick access to
internships, research and networking opportunities, as well as cultural and social outlets. The County
is also in close proximity to nationally acclaimed universities such as Duke University, North Carolina
State University, and the University at North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Johnston County
Public Schools
Johnston County Public School officials serve more than 37,000 students from pre-kindergarten to 12th
grade at 48 schools. The district boasts a robust curriculum and a variety of special programs, career
and technical education-focused courses, extracurricular activities, sports, and more.
Johnston County has recently been touted as one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina and
the nation. In addition, the district has been recognized for continued academic growth, and as one of
only six districts in the state to exceed pre-pandemic achievement.
The district is one of the county’s largest employers, providing professional opportunities for
more than 5,000 people including approximately 2,500 classroom teachers. Students and staff work in
state-of-the-art facilities, provided by the collaborative efforts of citizens, local governing bodies,
and stakeholders who believe in the significance of education.
The district is home to a diverse culture with more than 45 languages spoken by students and their
families, all of which are supported daily to achieve academic excellence and develop into productive
citizens of society.*
Neuse Charter School
Neuse Charter School (NCS) opened on Aug. 27, 2007, as the county’s only independently governed
and operated K-12 nonprofit public charter school. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Melissa
Blackwell, Neuse Charter School enrolls approximately 900 students annually. Recognized by the US News
and World Report as one of the best schools in the state and nation, NCS students consistently achieve
higher scores than the state average on state testing.
Because a well-rounded student is well-educated, lower academy students can participate in enhancement
classes such as Art, Media, and STEAM. Upper Academy students may take elective courses such as Band,
Spanish, Physical Education, and CTE (Career and Technical Education). Additionally, high school
students may participate in the NCS/JCC Leave With More program, allowing NCS students to take JCC
courses for dual credit on campus, virtually, or on JCC’s campus. NCS also offers after-school
options such as Girls on the Run, Robotics, a variety of clubs, and a robust athletics program for Upper
Academy students.
Enrollment in Neuse Charter School is conducted each year through an enrollment lottery, and any child
who is a legal resident of North Carolina can apply for enrollment. Applications for the lottery are
available each November, and names collected through the application process are drawn on the third
Thursday in January. Students not seated during the lottery process will be added to the waitlist for
their indicated grade level in the order in which their name is drawn during the lottery process.
Johnston Charter Academy
A tuition-free kindergarten through eighth-grade public charter school, Johnston Charter Academy formed
in 2017, as a college-preparatory school.
Open to all students in North Carolina, the 705 students follow a moral-focused curriculum emphasizing
the virtues of respect, integrity, perseverance and courage to develop a strong moral character geared
toward success. Parent involvement and an emphasis on personal responsibility are also foundational
aspects of the school.
Enrichment activities for the students include STEM , robotics, art, coding, book club and yoga, as
well as drama, band and Spanish, depending upon age. Sports, ranging from basketball and soccer, to
volleyball, cross country and cheerleading are additional options for the oldest students on campus.
The school is a member of the National Heritage Academies, a 90-plus network of public charter schools
serving 60,000 students in nine states.
Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College is Johnston County’s only higher education institution, serving more
than 13,000 students a year through curriculum and workforce training opportunities at its campuses in
Smithfield, Clayton, and Four Oaks.
JCC offers more than 35 programs of study, a robust dual enrollment program for high schoolers, and
free tuition for recent Johnston County high school graduates.
University of Mount Olive
The University of Mount Olive is a Christian, faith-based, values-centered private school with roots in
the liberal arts tradition. Students, faculty and staff strive to exemplify lifelong learning and
engaged participation among those who call the campus home.
With classes for traditional students, adult students and transfer students, the university provides
educational opportunities to meet a variety of needs. The school has been ranked as a Military Friendly
School because of its work in assisting military personnel and veterans.
Campbell University
Founded in 1887, Campbell University’s mission is fueled by a higher calling – to provide a
transformational learning experience that prepares students for servant leadership, while equipping them
with skills and habits to make a difference in the lives of others.
Located in the Research Triangle area, Campbell University is situated in the nexus of business,
educational institutions and governmental organizations that give students quick access to internships,
research and networking opportunities, as well as cultural and social outlets.
American Leadership Academy (ALA) Johnston
American Leadership Academy (ALA) Johnston is a k-12 tuition-free public charter school that offers
choice to parents, students, and teachers. Everything at ALA Johnston revolves around its mission,
vision, and values, which are fundamental in everything it does. It strives to provide the best
educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment. It offers a
well-rounded education with core instruction and a wide range of electives, such as dance, music, art,
computers, athletics, and theater. Its goal is for students to gain the leadership skills they need to
positively change the world.
Johnston County Public Schools
Administration Office
2320 US 70 Business Hwy. East
P.O. Box 1336
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-6031
www.johnston.k12.nc.us
Neuse Charter School
909 M. Durwood Stephenson Pkwy.
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 626-2300
www.neusecharterschool.org
Johnston Charter Academy
40 Scholar Dr., Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 879-8190
www.nhaschools.com
Johnston Community College
245 College Rd., P.O. Box 2350
Smithfield, NC 27577
(919) 934-3051
www.johnstoncc.edu
University of Mount Olive
634 Henderson St.
Mount Olive, NC 28365
(800) 653-0854
https://umo.edu
Campbell University
143 Main St., Buies Creek, NC 27506
(800) 334-4111
www.campbell.edu
American Leadership Academy
(ALA) Johnston
3770 US-70 BUS, Clayton, NC 27520
(984) 231-2870
www.alaschools.org/johnston
