Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Schools in Asheville, NC (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Asheville Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 33 public schools serving 17,411 students in Asheville, NC (there are 25 private schools, serving 3,231 private students). 85% of all K-12 students in Asheville, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Asheville, NC are Nesbitt Discovery Academy, Early College and Silsa. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Asheville, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Asheville have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Asheville, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nesbitt Discovery Academy
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
175 Bingham Rd Ste 10
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 271-4521
Gr: 9-12 | 372 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-4123
Gr: 9-13 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #33.
Silsa
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
419 Mcdowell Street
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 350-2700
Gr: 9-12 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Roberson High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
250 Overlook Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 654-1765
Gr: 9-12 | 1,479 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #55.
Reynolds High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
One Rocket Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 298-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,169 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #66.
Evergreen Community Charter
Charter School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
50 Bell Road
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-2173
Gr: K-8 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #77.
Asheville High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
419 Mcdowell Street
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 350-2500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,221 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Bell Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
90 Maple Springs Road
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-3789
Gr: PK-5 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Haw Creek Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
10 Bethesda Road
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 298-4022
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #1010.
West Buncombe Elementary School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
175 Erwin Hills Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 232-4282
Gr: K-4 | 580 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #1111.
Estes Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
275 Overlook Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 654-1795
Gr: PK-4 | 754 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #1212.
Erwin High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
60 Lees Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 232-4251
Gr: 9-12 | 1,013 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #1313.
The Franklin School Of Innovation
Charter School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
61 Innovation Dr
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 318-8140
Gr: 5-12 | 717 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #1414.
Isaac Dickson Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
125 Hill Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 350-6800
Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Claxton Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
241 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 350-6500
Gr: K-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Francine Delany New School
Charter School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
119 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 236-9441
Gr: K-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Lucy S. Herring Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
98 Sulphur Springs Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 350-6600
Gr: PK-5 | 255 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #1818.
Ic Imagine
Charter School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
110 Champion Way
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 633-6491
Gr: K-12 | 1,239 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1919.
Ira B Jones Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
544 Kimberly Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 350-6700
Gr: PK-5 | 369 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2020.
Asheville Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
211 S French Broad Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 350-6200
Gr: 6-8 | 670 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #2121.
Koontz Intermediate
(Math: 48% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
305 Overlook Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 684-1295
Gr: 5-6 | 725 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2222.
Hall Fletcher Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
60 Ridgelawn Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 350-6400
Gr: PK-5 | 318 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #2323.
Sand Hill-venable Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
154 Sand Hill School Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 670-5028
Gr: PK-4 | 590 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #2424.
Reynolds Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
2 Rocket Drive
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 298-7484
Gr: 6-8 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #2525.
Oakley Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
753 Fairview Road
Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 274-7515
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #2626.
Eblen Intermediate
(Math: 43% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
59 Lee's Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 255-5757
Gr: 5-6 | 566 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #2727.
Erwin Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
20 Erwin Middle School Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 232-4264
Gr: 7-8 | 545 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #2828.
Emma Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
37 Brickyard Road
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 232-4272
Gr: PK-4 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #2929.
Woodfin Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
108 Elk Mountain Road
Asheville, NC 28804
(828) 232-4287
Gr: K-5 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #3030.
Johnston Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
230 Johnston Boulevard
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 232-4291
Gr: PK-4 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: n/an/a
Asheville Peak Academy
Charter School
27 Balm Grove Avenue
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 239-3550
Gr: K-6 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Rank: n/an/a
Center For Career Innovation
340 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 232-4123
Gr: 9-13 | 33 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: n/an/a
Mountain City Public Montessori
Charter School
27 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 570-5554
Gr: K-7 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 23%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Asheville, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Asheville, NC include Nesbitt Discovery Academy, Early College and Silsa.
How many public schools are located in Asheville?
34 public schools are located in Asheville.
What percentage of students in Asheville go to public school?
85% of all K-12 students in Asheville are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Asheville?
Asheville public schools minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Asheville are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links:

Most Popular Articles

The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
The Impact of Social Media on Students – 2025 Updated Insights
 School Rankings by Category
School Rankings by Category
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
 Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
Uniforms in U.S. Public Schools: 2025 Pros & Cons
 Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools
Changing Demographics Will Alter the Diversity of Public Schools

More Articles

Teaching
About Public Schools
Local School Topics
Scholarships
Public School Policies