For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 private schools serving 844 students in Johnston County, NC (there are 41 public schools, serving 30,012 public students). 3% of all K-12 students in Johnston County, NC are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
The top ranked private school in Johnston County, NC is Southside Christian School.
The average acceptance rate is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average acceptance rate of 81%.
67% of private schools in Johnston County, NC are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian).
Top Ranked Johnston County Private Schools (2025-26)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Southside Christian School![Southside Christian School Photo - Go, SCS WARRIORS! Southside Christian School Photo - Go, SCS WARRIORS!]()

(Christian)
120 Discipleship Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 585-6742
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 585-6742
Gr: PK-12 | 472 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 7 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Academy Of Hope
All-girls (Christian)
408 Covered Bridge Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-8181
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-8181
Gr: 7-11 | 6 students Avg. class size: 350 students
Kids R Kids![Kids R Kids Photo Kids R Kids Photo]()

Daycare / Preschool
307 Tew Ct
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-8864
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-8864
Gr: PK-K | 153 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
Lifespring Academy
(Christian)
4967 Us 70 Bus Hwy W
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 359-9959
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 359-9959
Gr: K-12 | 146 students
Star Christian Academy
(Christian)
4423 Wilsons Mills Rd
Smithfield, NC 27577
(252) 395-2771
Smithfield, NC 27577
(252) 395-2771
Gr: K-12 | 67 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private schools in Johnston County, NC?
The top ranked private schools in Johnston County, NC is Southside Christian School.
How many private schools are located in Johnston County?
6 private schools are located in Johnston County.
How diverse are private schools in Johnston County?
Johnston County private schools are approximately 35% minority students, which is higher than the North Carolina private school average of 24%.
What percentage of students in Johnston County go to private school?
3% of all K-12 students in Johnston County are educated in private schools (compared to the NC state average of 8%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Johnston County?
67% of private schools in Johnston County are religiously affiliated (most commonly Christian).
Which private schools in Johnston County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Johnston County include: Academy Of Hope vs. Southside Christian School, Lifespring Academy vs. Southside Christian School, Star Christian Academy vs. Southside Christian School
Recent Articles
Student Success Predictors at Community Colleges
A practical guide to student success predictors at community colleges for private school advisors helping graduates navigate two-year pathways.
Career Pathways with Community College for Private School Grads
Explore top career pathways with community college for private school graduates, including high-demand jobs, transfer options, and 2025 workforce trends.
Navigating the FAFSA & Financial Aid Timeline for Community College
Learn how to navigate FAFSA and financial aid timelines when starting at community college — from application to disbursement in 2025.


