- Glendale-Kenly Elementary — 1.1 mi · Grades PK–5 · 433 students
- North Johnston High — 4.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 788 students
- Micro Elementary — 5.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 404 students
- North Johnston Middle — 5.6 mi · Grades 6–8 · 598 students
- Selma Middle School — 9.1 mi · Grades 6–8 · 339 students
- Pine Level Elementary — 9.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 341 students
- Selma Elementary — 9.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 794 students
- Princeton High — 10.5 mi · Grades 6–12 · 988 students
with district
| Metric | Johnston County Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 37,286 | 3,544 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 48 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,421/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 30% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 8/10 — Good | — | Above average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 115 rated districts in NC → 77th percentile → 8/10.
Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Instruction EOG, grades 3–8 Reading & Math Grade Level Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Johnston County Schools
Families in zip code 27542 (Kenly, North Carolina) are assigned to Johnston County Schools for public education through 13th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 8/10 Rating
With a rating of 8/10 (above average), Johnston County Schools ranks among North Carolina’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in North Carolina’s EOG grades 3–8 Reading & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because North Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Johnston County Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in North Carolina. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 27542
Children in zip code 27542 are assigned to Johnston County Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 13th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 27542, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Johnston County Schools at (919)934-6031 or visit www.johnston.k12.nc.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — North Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Kenly
For families considering a purchase in the Kenly area, district assignment matters financially. Because Johnston County Schools serves zip code 27542, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 27542. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In North Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Johnston County Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 27542.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Johnston County Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 27542 data.