Neuse Charter School

Smithfield, NC 27577

Phone: (919) 626-2300
Fax: (919) 938-1079
District: Neuse Charter School District

6

GreatSchools Rating

charter • Grades KG,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 • 904 students

Neuse Charter School, a charter school located in Smithfield, NC, serves grades K-12 in the Neuse Charter School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 6 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Neuse Charter School is a charter school located in Smithfield, NC. 904 students attend Neuse Charter School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 7/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
College Readiness 8/10 The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 Average ACT score data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 ACT percent college ready data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 demographic data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth 4/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: June 16, 2026

My kids have been at NCS for six years, and they love it. As a K-12 school, the entire staff knows almost all of the students because of the small campus and shared buildings. So it is comforting to me as a parent to know that if my kids need something, there will always be someone there to help. From a Biology teacher on one side of the campus to a 5th-grade teacher on the other, everyone is there to help and support kids. NCS has had its fair share of tough times, but in my opinion, it has never had a staff as strong, caring, and capable as it does now. We are proud to be a part of this community.

Posted: June 16, 2026

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Posted: June 15, 2026

Neuse Charter School provides a strong academic foundation while preparing students well for college and beyond. The rigorous coursework, individualized support, and opportunities to earn college credit through community college classes give students a valuable head start. The school creates an environment where students are challenged academically and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Posted: June 15, 2026

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Posted: June 15, 2026

Teaching at Neuse Charter School has been a pleasure. I feel safer and more supported here than I have at any other school I have worked. There is a sense of community and belonging here that is undeniable. The K-12 setting allows for opportunities and collaboration that are natural and easily facilitated. I wouldn't choose to work anywhere else!

Posted: June 15, 2026

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Posted: June 15, 2026

Neuse Charter School is a wonderful school with dedicated teachers, strong academics, and a caring community. The staff goes above and beyond to support students, and the school creates a positive environment where children can learn, grow, and succeed. I highly recommend Neuse Charter School to families looking for a quality educational experience.

Posted: June 15, 2026

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Posted: June 12, 2026

Posted: June 12, 2026

While no school is perfect, being an employee and a parent at NCS has been pretty great over the past 2 years. The school is led by a fantastic Superintendent who truly believes in the mission of "Every child, every day." Leadership is constantly striving to make things better, based on parent and staff feedback. As a teacher, I feel valued as an educator. As a parent, I feel confident knowing my children are receiving high-quality instruction based on the NC DPI Standards of Learning. I recommend NCS for any parent or educator who is looking for a positive school culture!

Posted: June 12, 2026

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Posted: August 7, 2025

Neuse is terrible. Absolutely dogshit. I've learned way more in college than my time here in the matter of a semester.

Posted: August 7, 2025

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Posted: May 8, 2025

We had an absolutely horrendous experience w/this school. They are more concerned w/passing state tests than learning actual subjects. The admins are disorganized, unresponsive, & lack basic professionalism. Communication w/parents is minimal, & when concerns are raised, they are either dismissed or ignored entirely. The environment is toxic, with a lack of care of student well-being and no accountability for poor behavior or policies. It was clear that profit & convenience mattered more than the students' education or emotional safety. I would strongly urge other families to think twice before enrolling. This was one of the most disappointing and distressing experiences we've had with any institution. Both administration & teachers literally lie and do not apologize when truth is revealed. The athletic directors do not care about student athletes unless they're breaking records. I cannot express the amount of disrespect. If they don't like the parent, they will torture the student.

Posted: May 8, 2025

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Posted: April 15, 2025

I do not recommend this school at all -

My two kids who attend were both in the 90+ percentile for math and reading year after year before we entered this school. They both dropped. My one kid went from a 96% to 60%.

Before my oldest took his MAP test the teacher told them they better do good or she will get fired. My son came home stressed out because he was so worried that it would be his fault if he doesnÂ’t do good and his teacher gets fired.

On another instance when he asked why an answer was wrong on a test (that dropped him
a whole letter grade) he was told “it just is”. When I sent an email asking for some clarification the teacher told my son she saw my message but was just too busy to answer. I understand being busy but how do you expect a student to learn if when they ask for an explanation on why something is wrong they are told “it just is” and I can’t explain to my son why it’s wrong cause you won’t answer me.

We had an issue with a kid being inappropriate to my other son and the principal said she would keep me updated and never got back to me.

I cannot wait for the school year to end so we can be done with this school.

My kiddos do have some teachers they love and there have been positives in that sense but the negatives definitely outweigh the positives.

Posted: April 15, 2025

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Posted: December 10, 2024

As a student I would say the teachers and counselors are great I got so much emotional help and the disabilitie people get a class ment for them with good care but safety and care for bad acts could REALLY be better I have got tackled and teachers did nothing of it but 100% safe during lock down, way safer than u felt in other schools so yea thatÂ’s it

Posted: December 10, 2024

Posted: December 10, 2024

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Posted: September 9, 2024

Sending my child to this school has been the worst mistake I’ve made as a mother thus far, and I’m far from perfect. #1 the office staff is HORRIBLE. Two of the rudest women you will ever meet. #2 they don’t mind their teachers isolating and bullying the children. I suppose this is their way of getting submission. Heaven forbid they have a conversation and TEACH a child how to act. Finally, they literally throw the kids on laptops and computers all day. My son said there are first graders that have apparently even been caught on YouTube. Well, what else did you expect? Cherries on top: no transportation, no cafeteria, only microwave is in the high school building, and staff is virtually impossible to get in touch with. They apparently have a “48 hour policy” to return your emails, calls, concerns, etc. (aka to ignore you and your concerns). Then when they do reach out to you, believe me when I say the sarcasm and disrespect is unparalleled. Do yourself and your child a favor and stay far away from this horrible excuse for a school. The teachers don’t even have to be certified to work here. (Or have any sort of heart or capabilities either apparently.) I thought the smaller class sizes would be worth it, but it’s far from worth it.

Posted: September 9, 2024

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Posted: July 13, 2023

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Posted: July 13, 2023

I have two children attending NCS since kindergarten and we have had nothing but wonderful experiences with both kids. We love the teachers and staff. They keep the parents in the loop and do everything in their power to ensure the success of my kid's academics and provide the support needed. After my youngest lost one of her classmates in kindergarten due to cancer the staff and elementary teams came together to ensure all the mental and emotional support to help the kids through the school year. We love NCS! I love that we have the opportunity to have both of our children in the same school and a lot of the time they have had the same teachers throughout their education. I'm so happy that we have a place where my kids can grow and stay within the same school throughout their entire grade school education.

Posted: January 19, 2023

Avoid. They talk a good game, but leadership is abysmal. Administration is disorganized and unresponsive. Communication is non-existent. I feel bad for the teachers, as they seem to care for their students and they try to motivate them to do their best. They do not get the support they need. I can't wait to pull my student out of here at the end of the year.

Posted: January 19, 2023

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Posted: November 19, 2022

I have two children that go to NCS. Both started in Kindergarten. With our experience being mostly in elementary school I can only speak toward the administration for that. We love NCS. Of course, there have been changes with teachers or policies due to COVID standards and such but this school and the staff always go beyond what other schools in the area do. Anytime there is a question or issue with academics, tutoring, or even mental health Mrs. Matthews and the lower academy teachers and staff have made the time to care for my kids and check in with them. The NCS community comes together for the students and their families. We always feel safe on campus and heard when we have concerns or questions.

Posted: November 19, 2022

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Posted: January 11, 2021

Everyone here is very rude and most of them are homophobic and transphobic so the people in the LGBTQ community in my grade don't feel safe coming out. A lot of people get bullied and no ones does anything. The school barely fails anyone and says they have a 0% policy rate on bulling and say they will explell the kids but don't even suspend them. The teacher's are pretty bad and don't even do there job properly.

Posted: January 11, 2021

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Posted: July 1, 2016

Wonderful School! I have two students at NCS, one in elementary and the other is a middle schooler. Neuse is a community K-12 school. All of the teachers are amazing educators that want what is best for each individual student.

Posted: February 22, 2016

fabulous school, teachers, admin., and students! Wouldn't send my child anywhere else! True family atmosphere.

Posted: February 22, 2016

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Posted: June 3, 2015

Great School! I recommend this school for anyone seeking to better their child's education. Teachers and staff are wonderful and caring. They put the children first

Posted: March 18, 2015

I have been very happy about the choice of NCS. There are changes, and changes are not easy. As far as the negative comments, this is a school that you can make a difference, as a parent you can get involved! It is a small community that allows and encourages parent participation. I have only had good experiences with the teachers, principals and administration.

Posted: February 5, 2015

The teachers, assistants and administration are truly student oriented-especially if one has a special physical needs child. Academically outstanding!! Best in the county and the area!!

Posted: February 2, 2015

As a parent, I was so excited about my child attending this school. Unfortunately, I have been nothing less than disappointed from the day he started. He hated NCS. The teachers are not friendly, they have poor communication and make little effort to build relationships with the children and/or parents. The staff is unprofessional and not friendly AT ALL! Do not send your child to this school because you will SURELY regret it! I transferred my child back to the public school he came from and he is happy and so am I. NCS is one huge INCONVENIENCE!

Posted: August 22, 2014

Totally agree with last two posts. After years of satisfaction, my child will no longer be victim to the inexperienced and unprofessional staff at NCS. Shame on teachers, principals, and board members for destroying the foundation and hard work of the late Dr. Harris. Instead of following her lead, the 3 principals fought over her position (none of which are equipped) instead of student needs. No matter how they spin it, they don't outrank JCS from a demographic standpoint. So, what's the point of the charter? My guess is to publicly fund a "private school" for the staff's children. NCS, you are wasting taxpayers money, and you've failed our community!

Posted: August 19, 2014

Gave it too long of a chance after the loss of Dr. Harris; it has not been the same. It seems like each week I learn about more children being mishandled by the incompetent staff there. No need to take concerns to administration, they seem to believe that they are exempt from regulations. Two administrators are gone now, but they should continue to clean house. I'm starting to believe they seek out people with the cloudiest backgrounds to employ, but the great teachers won't stick around. What about the children? If your child is not the child of a board member, administrator, or teacher, you may be in for a big disappointment. My child was victimized there, and there are far too many other innocent examples!!!

Posted: June 9, 2014

Both of my children attend NCS. My oldest has been at this school since day 1 and I must say that it was a God sent. Dr. Harris, who is no longer with us, was the best Director ever. She cared about the students and their education. She put the students first no matter what! She is truly missed. However, today I must say that the legacy that she left behind is not being upheld and it is truly sad! And as far as the 15 persons per teacher, that is no longer the case; it's more like 20-25 persons. That one on one interaction is no longer the case. The awesome, loving, caring teachers are leaving every year. There is a very high teacher turn over rate, which leaves the students hanging on for dear life. Whatever happened to NO CHILD left behind? It should be all about the CHILDREN! Every since the absence of Dr. Harris this school has been going down the drain. I pray that there is a huge turn around for this coming up year. If not they may be in for a rude awakening.

Posted: April 17, 2014

Neuse Charter School is INCREDIBLE! It is a collaboration among the board, administration, staff, and parents. The vision and direction is consistent as it K-12. The school holds high academic standards as a college-preparatory school and families are vested. It is AMAZING what this school has accomplished. We very much look forward to seeing our children graduate from NCS. Go Cougars!

Posted: April 6, 2014

Neuse Charter School is now located in Smithfield, NC. As of 2014, this school will graduate its first group of seniors, making it a K-12 school. The majority of the teachers are PHENOMENAL. They go above and beyond to make sure this school teaches ALL students. Parental involvement, brain based learning and teacher training have all paid off. As a parent, my only concern is the School Board. They are ruthless and are ruining a perfectly good school. Even though my child is in elementary, when I need advice or have a concern, I immediately seek the counsel of the HS Principal, Mr. Erby, as he is the most competent of all three. I would recommend this school to all parents looking for a real education in Johnston county.

Posted: April 1, 2014

I am so happy my son attends this school. Great caring teachers fill the school. My son who is in third grade has learned so much this past year. Worth the drive. Worth the homework. Great opportunities throughout the school and students are challenged not left idle.

Posted: October 23, 2013

This is a great school. My children are receiving the education that they needed, and the teachers are great. The classroom size is great. The only problem I have is that they do not provide transportation, but I can deal with that.

Posted: March 15, 2013

So far I couldn't be happier with NCS! My child has only been there a short time, but already I see a 180 degree turn around from our previous school! His teacher is kind & sincerely cares for her students. My son wouldn't even approach his former teacher to ask a question (6 months in her class), but he immediately felt comfortable & began asking for what he needed after only a few hours! He even openly hugs both his primary teacher as well as his TA! He loves going to school again & doesn't even mind waking up earlier to get there. He practically jumps out of the car in the mornings to get to class! It was like pulling teeth to get him to his previous school. He didn't care if he went or not. Now, he doesn't want to be late! I've cried from a JOYFUL HEART of GRATITUDE every day since we have been there that our prayers have been answered for our family!!! Excellent school, teachers, and principal/leadership!!!!....It wouldn't let me rate the categories.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Winston Pointe Neighborhood/Subdivision Clayton NC 13.6 mi
2 Eagle Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Raleigh NC 21.9 mi
3 Hedingham Neighborhood/Subdivision Raleigh NC 22.9 mi
4 Jacobs Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Goldsboro NC 23 mi
5 The Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Goldsboro NC 23.1 mi
6 Mimosa Park West Neighborhood/Subdivision Goldsboro NC 24 mi
7 Castlebrooke Neighborhood/Subdivision Linden NC 36.4 mi
8 Ellerslie Subdivision Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 37.2 mi
9 Forest Oaks Neighborhood/Subdivision Bunnlevel NC 39.3 mi
10 Kings Grant Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 39.7 mi
11 Anderson Creek Club Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 40.2 mi
12 Overhills Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 40.3 mi
13 Stone Creek Subdivision Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 40.3 mi
14 Kinwood Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 41.3 mi
15 Patriot Park Village Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 41.5 mi
16 Inverness Neighborhood/Subdivision Fayetteville NC 41.7 mi
17 College Lakes Area of Town Fayetteville NC 42.5 mi
18 The Summit Neighborhood/Subdivision Sanford NC 42.9 mi
19 Sunset Ridge Neighborhood/Subdivision Sanford NC 43 mi
20 Deerfield Neighborhood/Subdivision Spring Lake NC 43.7 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Princeton Princeton NC 10.1 mi
2 Goldsboro Goldsboro NC 24.1 mi
3 North Ramsey Road Fayetteville NC 37.6 mi
4 Eastwood Ave & Kentberry Ct. Fayetteville NC 43.2 mi
5 Vander Vander NC 43.6 mi
Base Distance
Seymour Johnson AFB 23.6 mi.
Raleigh National Guard 29 mi.
Pope Field 45.6 mi.
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