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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Macon County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,520 students in Macon County, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC are Highlands School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Macon County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Macon County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Highlands School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
545 Pierson Dr
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Gr: K-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Cartoogechaye Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3295 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Gr: PK-4 | 354 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
South Macon Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
855 Addington Bridge Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Gr: PK-4 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
East Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
100 Watauga St
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Gr: K-4 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #55.
Mountain View Intermediate
(Math: 49% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
161 Clarks Chapel Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Gr: 5-6 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Iotla Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1166 Iotla Church Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Gr: PK-4 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #77.
Macon Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1202 Old Murphy Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3314
Gr: K-12 | 44 students Minority enrollment: 14%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC include Highlands School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Macon County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Macon County.
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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