For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,684 students in Haywood County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC are Haywood Early College, Pisgah High School and Tuscola High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Haywood County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Haywood County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Haywood County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pisgah High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Haywood County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Haywood Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Gr: 9-13 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 42:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Pisgah High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1 Black Bear Drive
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Gr: 9-12 | 859 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Gr: 9-12 | 873 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Gr: K-12 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC include Haywood Early College, Pisgah High School and Tuscola High School.
How many public high schools are located in Haywood County?
5 public high schools are located in Haywood County.
What is the racial composition of students in Haywood County?
Haywood County public high schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Haywood County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Haywood County include: Tuscola High School vs. Pisgah High School, Pisgah High School vs. Tuscola High School, Haywood Early College vs. Pisgah High School
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.