West Selma Historic District · Photo: Nyttend · Public domainSelma’s public schools outscore 65% of North Carolina districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Selma, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Selma’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 207 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Selma’s, its schools beat 85%, higher than their 65% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 52% and math 54% in spring 2022, against 50% and 51% statewide; 92% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,420 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and nine high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Selma’s grade
B+: better than 65% of North Carolina school districts, #75 of 290 North Carolina towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the North Carolina average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Selma, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Selma
Selma Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 794 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Selma’s public schools are run by Johnston County Schools, which also serves Archer Lodge, Benson, Clayton and Four Oaks and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Above the state in reading
Selma vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Selma’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Selma | B+ | Johnston County Schools |
| Smithfield | B+ | Johnston County Schools |
| Pine Level | B+ | Johnston County Schools |
All 2 neighbors share Johnston County Schools with Selma, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Selma
11 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Selma’s schools
Are Selma’s schools good?
By North Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Selma children attend outscore 65% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #75 of 290 North Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 85%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Selma in?
Johnston County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 37,320 students in 48 schools (2024–25).
Where do Selma kids go to high school?
One of 9 high schools, depending on your address: Corinth Holders High, Clayton High, Cleveland High, West Johnston High, Smithfield-Selma High, South Johnston High, Princeton High, North Johnston High and Johnston Co Early College Academy.
What is Selma’s graduation rate?
92% of the class of 2023 in Johnston County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Selma spend per student?
$12,420 in Johnston County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Selma families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Selma → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.