Middle Schools in Johnston County Public Schools

The Johnston County Public Schools district in North Carolina is home to 12 middle schools serving grades 6-8. These schools vary significantly in their academic performance, student demographics, and resources, with some standout institutions like The Innovation Academy at South Campus and Archer Lodge Middle consistently ranking among the top middle schools in the state. However, the data also reveals a substantial gap in achievement between the highest and lowest-performing schools, which appears to be closely linked to the socioeconomic status of the student population.

The top-performing schools, such as The Innovation Academy at South Campus and Archer Lodge Middle, boast exceptional test scores, with 65-90% of students proficient in core subjects like math, reading, and science. These schools also have relatively low free/reduced lunch rates, indicating a more affluent student body. In contrast, the lower-performing schools, like Smithfield Middle and Selma Middle School, have much higher free/reduced lunch rates, ranging from 36.4% to 99.4%, and correspondingly lower academic achievement, with proficiency rates as low as 25-35%.

The data suggests that while the Johnston County Public Schools district has pockets of excellence, there is a need to address the significant performance gaps and ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to high-quality educational opportunities. By studying the practices and strategies of the top-performing schools, the district may be able to implement effective interventions and support to help raise achievement levels across all middle schools.