West Smithfield Elementary

Summary:

West Smithfield Elementary is a public elementary school in Smithfield, North Carolina, serving 438 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Johnston County Public Schools district, which is ranked 90 out of 242 districts in the state and has a 3-star rating.

West Smithfield Elementary stands out from the surrounding schools in several key ways. It has a significantly higher percentage of Hispanic students (53.2%) compared to nearby schools, which range from 15-29% Hispanic. Additionally, over 99% of West Smithfield's students receive free or reduced-price lunch, much higher than the 29-68% range of the other local schools. Academically, West Smithfield consistently ranks in the bottom quarter of North Carolina elementary schools, with a 1-star rating and proficiency rates in math, reading, and science that are significantly lower than district and state averages, particularly for Hispanic and African American students.

These challenges appear to be widening over time, as the performance gap between West Smithfield and the surrounding schools, such as McGee's Crossroads Elementary, East Clayton Elementary, and Powhatan Elementary, continues to grow. Despite the high percentage of economically disadvantaged students, West Smithfield's per-student spending is on the higher end compared to nearby schools, suggesting that simply increasing funding may not be the sole solution. Addressing the unique needs of West Smithfield's diverse student population will require a comprehensive, data-driven approach focused on targeted interventions and equitable resource allocation.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 2665 Galilee Road
       Smithfield, NC  27577-4463


(919) 989-6418

District: Johnston County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
1135th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,944 Help


Students who attend West Smithfield Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Smithfield Middle
High:    Smithfield-Selma High

Student/teacher ratio:  10.1 Help
Number of students:  438

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
53.2%
African American:
24.9%
White:
14.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  99.3% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

 Compare West Smithfield Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details West Smithfield Elementary ranks worse than 75.4% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 21st among 23 ranked elementary schools in the Johnston County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 28.16. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at West Smithfield Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (53.2%), African American (24.9%), White (14.2%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 99.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at West Smithfield Elementary is 10.1, which is the lowest among 23 elementary schools in the Johnston County Public Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare West Smithfield Elementary employs 43 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at West Smithfield Elementary is $11,944, which is the 2nd highest among 23 elementary schools in the Johnston County Public Schools District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

West Smithfield Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks West Smithfield Elementary 1135th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See West Smithfield Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:


Johnston County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Johnston County Public Schools 90th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for West Smithfield Elementary?

Rank History for West Smithfield Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 27.33 1035th 1276 18.9%
2007 27.74 1050th 1293 18.8%
2008 27.15 1048th 1324 20.8%
2009 37.65 945th 1354 30.2%
2010 28.63 1075th 1363 21.1%
2011 30.36 1063rd 1381 23.0%
2012 27.04 1126th 1388 18.9%
2013 12.15 1303rd 1403 7.1%
2014 10.55 1284th 1390 7.6%
2015 14.47 1281st 1440 11.0%
2016 17.25 1243rd 1425 12.8%
2017 12.73 1295th 1429 9.4%
2018 8.14 1358th 1434 5.3%
2019 4.88 1440th 1473 2.2%
2021 10.74 1375th 1489 7.7%
2022 21.09 1244th 1514 17.8%
2023 38.91 953rd 1502 36.6%
2024 28.16 1135th 1505 24.6%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 25.93 352nd 421 16.4%
2019 21.39 456th 497 8.2%
2021 38.24 221st 385 42.6%
2022 47.64 216th 485 55.5%
2023 72.07 81st 514 84.2%
2024 38.36 322nd 533 39.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 38.94 467th 801 41.7%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.21 1192nd 1332 10.5%
2019 8.14 1330th 1361 2.3%
2021 13.16 1280th 1329 3.7%
2022 25.35 1134th 1366 17.0%
2023 43.48 840th 1437 41.5%
2024 37.17 964th 1450 33.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 8.35 1350th 1405 3.9%
2019 4.87 1402nd 1424 1.5%
2021 10.64 1353rd 1440 6.0%
2022 21.81 1224th 1458 16.0%
2023 37.38 929th 1459 36.3%
2024 25.32 1157th 1455 20.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.80 823rd 897 8.2%
2019 28.48 699th 878 20.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 10.88 1335th 1413 5.5%
2019 9.29 1359th 1430 5.0%
2021 13.46 1297th 1444 10.2%
2022 21.69 1198th 1464 18.2%
2023 41.66 892nd 1461 38.9%
2024 31.60 1050th 1464 28.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.36 885th 927 4.5%
2019 10.57 929th 949 2.1%
2021 18.31 835th 896 6.8%
2022 23.84 791st 927 14.7%
2023 30.81 684th 933 26.7%
2024 38.48 597th 924 35.4%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 18.11 784th 851 7.9%
2019 11.66 849th 865 1.8%
2021 22.84 724th 843 14.1%
2022 40.50 539th 893 39.6%
2023 62.98 259th 915 71.7%
2024 42.49 560th 951 41.1%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at West Smithfield Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 21.37 1048th 1178 11.0%
2019 1.64 1180th 1183 0.3%
2023 41.88 727th 1183 38.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

West Smithfield Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, February 28, 2014

Open Quote My son loves his caring teacher and the staff of West Smithfield Elementary. They do everything to help him and other students achieve. Close Quote



Enrollment information for West Smithfield Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 292 196 4 3 1 n/a n/a 0 496
1989 269 184 2 6 2 n/a n/a 0 463
1990 263 167 3 6 1 n/a n/a 0 440
1991 255 152 4 6 0 n/a n/a 0 417
1992 247 154 3 10 0 n/a n/a 1 415
1993 273 153 1 10 0 n/a n/a 0 437
1994 276 157 4 14 0 n/a n/a 0 451
1995 232 175 3 25 0 n/a n/a 0 435
1996 232 175 3 25 0 n/a n/a 0 435
1997 252 164 1 24 1 n/a n/a 0 442
1998 244 173 5 32 1 n/a n/a 0 455
1999 250 165 5 53 2 n/a n/a 0 475
2000 237 183 2 54 0 n/a n/a 0 476
2001 229 190 0 56 0 n/a n/a 0 475
2002 202 198 1 53 0 n/a n/a 0 454
2003 202 198 1 53 0 n/a n/a 0 454
2004 128 196 1 116 2 n/a n/a 0 443
2005 134 188 2 131 2 n/a n/a 0 457
2006 158 176 1 159 2 n/a n/a 0 496
2007 175 135 1 185 7 n/a n/a 26 529
2008 157 124 1 200 2 n/a n/a 36 520
2009 162 188 3 224 4 n/a n/a 0 581
2010 164 191 5 231 4 n/a n/a 0 595
2011 159 144 6 249 2 0 13 0 573
2012 153 149 4 290 2 0 12 0 610
2013 112 147 2 292 2 0 14 0 569
2014 100 141 2 281 0 0 19 0 543
2015 62 151 5 288 0 3 22 0 531
2016 68 142 7 275 0 0 20 0 512
2017 61 141 6 269 0 0 13 0 490
2018 63 137 6 271 0 0 12 0 489
2019 51 135 6 277 0 0 21 0 490
2020 49 112 6 284 0 0 46 0 497
2021 48 126 6 268 1 0 22 0 471
2022 62 115 7 239 0 0 30 0 453
2023 62 109 0 233 2 0 32 0 438

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at West Smithfield Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 496 33.0 15.0 41.7
1989 463 39.0 11.8 100
1990 440 39.0 11.2 50.9
1991 417 39.0 10.6 51.1
1992 415 39.0 10.6 42.2
1993 437 38.0 11.5 48.3
1994 451 36.0 12.5 46.6
1995 435 37.0 11.8 51.3
1996 435 37.0 11.8 51.3
1997 442 38.0 11.6 54.5
1998 455 42.0 10.8 50.3
1999 475 45.0 10.6 52.2
2000 476 46.0 10.3 59.5
2001 475 46.0 10.3 61.5
2002 454 50.0 9.1 66.1
2003 454 50.0 9.1 66.1
2004 443 38.0 11.7 70.4
2005 457 38.0 12.0 83.8
2006 496 38.0 13.1 77.8
2007 529 n/a n/a 75
2008 520 53.6 9.7 n/a
2009 581 57.0 10.2 n/a
2010 595 54.0 11.0 81.7
2011 573 51.8 11.0 81.5
2012 610 44.0 13.8 77.7
2013 569 43.6 13.0 85.9
2014 543 45.9 11.8 90.1
2015 531 45.0 11.8 93
2016 512 41.0 12.4 95.7
2017 490 41.5 11.8 92
2018 489 39.0 12.5 92.2
2019 490 41.0 11.9 99.4
2020 497 41.0 12.1 99.4
2021 471 39.5 11.9 99.4
2022 453 42.0 10.7 99.3
2023 438 43.0 10.1 99.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio West Smithfield Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 496 33.0 15.0 41.7
1989 463 39.0 11.8 100
1990 440 39.0 11.2 50.9
1991 417 39.0 10.6 51.1
1992 415 39.0 10.6 42.2
1993 437 38.0 11.5 48.3
1994 451 36.0 12.5 46.6
1995 435 37.0 11.8 51.3
1996 435 37.0 11.8 51.3
1997 442 38.0 11.6 54.5
1998 455 42.0 10.8 50.3
1999 475 45.0 10.6 52.2
2000 476 46.0 10.3 59.5
2001 475 46.0 10.3 61.5
2002 454 50.0 9.1 66.1
2003 454 50.0 9.1 66.1
2004 443 38.0 11.7 70.4
2005 457 38.0 12.0 83.8
2006 496 38.0 13.1 77.8
2007 529 n/a n/a 75
2008 520 53.6 9.7 n/a
2009 581 57.0 10.2 n/a
2010 595 54.0 11.0 81.7
2011 573 51.8 11.0 81.5
2012 610 44.0 13.8 77.7
2013 569 43.6 13.0 85.9
2014 543 45.9 11.8 90.1
2015 531 45.0 11.8 93
2016 512 41.0 12.4 95.7
2017 490 41.5 11.8 92
2018 489 39.0 12.5 92.2
2019 490 41.0 11.9 99.4
2020 497 41.0 12.1 99.4
2021 471 39.5 11.9 99.4
2022 453 42.0 10.7 99.3
2023 438 43.0 10.1 99.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for West Smithfield Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,669 (14.0%) $10,274 (86.0%) $11,944

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on West Smithfield Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1440th of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 953rd of 1502 Elementary schools
 34.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (West Smithfield Elementary)3773.6
 36.6%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (Johnston County Public Schools)56.864.5
 7.7%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (West Smithfield Elementary)2136.1
 15.1%
   3rd Grade Reading (Johnston County Public Schools)51.151.4
 0.3%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (West Smithfield Elementary)24.443.5
 19.1%
   4th Grade Mathematics (Johnston County Public Schools)5158.5
 7.5%
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (West Smithfield Elementary)30.849.3
 18.5%
   4th Grade Reading (Johnston County Public Schools)47.458.2
 10.8%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (West Smithfield Elementary)22.445.8
 23.4%
   5th Grade Mathematics (Johnston County Public Schools)55.659.5
 3.9%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (West Smithfield Elementary)27.640.3
 12.7%
   5th Grade Reading (Johnston County Public Schools)46.953.2
 6.3%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (West Smithfield Elementary)47.452.8
 5.4%
   5th Grade Science (Johnston County Public Schools)66.872.2
 5.4%
   5th Grade Science (North Carolina)72.665.3
 7.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students490438
 10.6%
African American135109
 19.3%
American Indian02
Asian60
 100%
Hispanic277233
 15.9%
Pacific Islander00
White5162
 21.6%
Two or More Races2132
 52.4%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients99.4%99.3%
 0.1%


Schools Near West Smithfield Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about West Smithfield Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 438 students attended West Smithfield Elementary.

Students who attend West Smithfield Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Smithfield Middle
High : Smithfield-Selma High

West Smithfield Elementary ranks in the bottom 24.6% of North Carolina elementary schools.

Students at West Smithfield Elementary are 53% Hispanic, 25% African American, 14% White, 7% Two or more races.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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