JOHNSTON CO EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY

Johnston Co Early College Academy is a Title I public high school that is part of the Johnston County Public Schools school district, located in Smithfield, NC with about 232 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 13th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 9 teachers, Johnston Co Early College Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 25:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Johnston County Early College Academy (JCECA) is a specialized, innovative public high school located on the campus of Johnston Community College in Smithfield, North Carolina. As an early college program, it offers students a unique opportunity to complete their high school graduation requirements while simultaneously earning college credits, including the possibility of an Associate’s degree, at little to no cost. By integrating a rigorous academic curriculum with a collegiate environment, the school aims to bridge the gap between secondary and post-secondary education, preparing students for both future career paths and university-level studies.

The academy is designed for students who are motivated to excel in a smaller, supportive, and academically focused community. Because the school is housed directly on the community college campus, students benefit from a mature learning environment and early exposure to college-level resources and expectations. JCECA emphasizes a partnership between Johnston County Public Schools and Johnston Community College, fostering a culture of academic rigor, personal responsibility, and post-graduation success for its diverse student body.

For more information, contact Johnston Co Early College Academy at (919) 464-2314 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.