Benson Middle

1600 North Wall Street

School District

Johnston County
Grade

5-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Johnston County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 11, 2023

In our first few weeks of school there was a huge confusion with what teachers were assigned to what classroom. That was figured out then we were notified that we can request teacher credentials to only find out most are barely qualified or still working on earning their degree? So that means students this year are not being taught by teachers with full degrees. We also learned Benson Middle School is a NC restart school which means they need to have a 3rd party supervise the teachers due to under-performing for multiple years. Our children have come home to tell us about fights that happen often in the school between students and racial comments that seem to flow freely, this could also be due to the Benson area culture. The few sports events that we attended it was clear the visiting teams laughed at the equipment, facilities and overall atmosphere that Benson Middle School has. This is a shame that the administration of this school has no dignity or pride for the school they represent.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2023

Let me start by saying we have removed our children from Benson Middle School due to the lack of progress they are actually making. Do your own research but staff are under qualified or have degrees in subjects unrelated to the course being taught, substitutes or just graduated high school. Coming from another area where the schools were more technically advanced and equipped to educate future generations we needed to switch our children to a better suited school with Leaders & Teachers that show results. As for the community the Benson Schools fits the mold for the rest of the town. ( Outdated, Lack of Technology, Lacking liveliness and most of all the effort to change. ) Most students from the area are eager to leave once they hit the age.Sports - I have seen better equipped and maintained fields at county parks or public areas. I'm not sure where this school is spending this funding but it should be embarrassed to host any games. In general all I can say is due your research before attending this school. The principle Dr. Dana Jernigan has been the leader of this failing ( D ) rated school for a few years and nothing has changed. A school is only as strong as it leadership.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2023

Our children have complete Benson Elementary School and now attend Benson Middle School. What a change in leadership and organization! After the first few weeks of classes it's not hard to see why this school rates ( D) with the state for low performance. Then has a plan to celebrate if they achieve a low ( C ). Leadership starts with the principle Mrs. Jernigan who's focus is certainly not on setting high goals for her school or children that attend but only enough to push a child through the system.Speaking with our children & friends it's common for them to have a good amount of free time to socialize during some classes while the teachers are getting ready. Shouldn't this be already done before class? If you talk to other parents from different schools the lesson plan at Benson Middle is very Basic / Standard just to get by for the state tests. Again just a school that does enough to get by instead of setting higher goals. Benson Middle School is on the County radar for lack of suitable Special Education classes again ( D ) rating.You will find that parent / teacher communication is not a strong area also. Most will just ignore the emails, not use the Johnston County School App or return a phone call. Not sure if this is poor leadership, ignorance or lack of training. Sport fields are Out-dated, Underfunded and Poorly maintained and extra curricular activities are low budget and embarrassing as a community.I'm not sure where the budget is being spent for this school but it's not visible in any area of the appearance or educational results. A hard look needs to be had at the leadership of Benson Middle School and how issues have gone on for a few years in a row while other schools have grown.
Submitted by student on December 12, 2022

I am in 1st block right now and it is boring, All my classes are boring and i am ready to go home.
Submitted by student on April 30, 2021

Bad school, it has the worst bulling I recommend anything else.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2014

If there are some good teachers at Benson Middle School, administration must be doing something right. The principal is always open, responsive, and ready to meet the needs of the students. She has an open door policy and the needs of the students are her priority. This school loses great teachers every year, due to negative attacks to them, to the school, and to the leadership. It takes a community to help build and support great schools.
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2014

This school is pitiful. There are some good teachers but the administration is completely ridiculous. I believe it could be a better school with a better leader. We are moving to get away from the Benson schools.
Submitted by other on May 24, 2013

I go to this school and it's a very good school. I have some of the best teachers that inspire me and help me a lot with my education. There's drama but thats if they look for it. It's the kids that start it and maybe instead of parents complaining to the school they should revise and check how theyre treating their child. Overall i absolutly love this school.
Submitted by parent on December 14, 2012

First off, its middle school you are going to have drama. I have had two kids in this school. Granted, I think some things are looked at every black and white with no gray area. For the most part, it is a very good school. The teachers are above average. This year was a bit bumpy wth vacant position but this group of teacher banded together and made things work. This is my daughters last year and although she will be going to high school, I am sure there will be many stops to visit in the coming years just to say hi. My son, is a senior in high school and enjoys, seeing his old teachers, Mrs. Singleton and Mr. Avery. Go Phathoms!!!
Submitted by parent on February 07, 2012

I cannot stand this school; I have never had so much drama in a school until my kids moved here 3 yrs. ago. Dixon Road and McGee s schools are the best school around this area. My kids are very unhappy with not being heard when they speak, here children are to be seen and not heard and EOG matters more than education!