Schools in Zip Code 27569

Zip code 27569 (Princeton, NC) is served by exactly two public schools—Princeton High (grades 6–12) and Princeton Elementary (PK–5)—both part of Johnston County Public Schools, a district ranked in the 60th percentile statewide. Notably, there is no standalone middle school; Princeton High combines middle and high school grades under one roof, so students move directly from the elementary campus into the high school building after 5th grade.

Despite nearly every student at both schools qualifying for free or reduced lunch (about 99%), performance is stronger than expected in many areas. Princeton Elementary excels in early-grade growth—3rd grade math jumped from 67.2% to 76.6% proficiency and 3rd grade reading from 50.4% to 66.9% in one year—and posts outstanding 5th grade science scores (77.7% vs. the state’s 67.7%). Princeton High shines in mathematics: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders all exceed state averages on math EOGs, and its Math I exam surged from 38.3% to 53.0% proficiency, now well above the state. The high school also boasts a strikingly low chronic absenteeism rate of 8.0%, compared with 20.7% at the elementary school and 24.2% statewide. Its graduation rate of 92.4% is solid and above the state average.

Reading is the common weakness. Princeton Elementary’s 5th grade reading (53.2%) falls below district and state averages, and Princeton High is below average in 7th and 8th grade reading as well as English II (53.6% vs. 64.6% statewide). Both schools’ state percentile rankings have slipped over three years—Princeton Elementary now sits at the 68th percentile and Princeton High at the 44th—even while many math and science scores remain strong. For parents, this two-school district offers a supportive, small-town environment with remarkable attendance at the secondary level and notable math/science strength, but the growing reading gap is the key concern to watch.