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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Swain County Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,386 students in Swain County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 115 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Swain County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC are Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Swain County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swain County High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1415 Fontana Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2152
Gr: 9-12 | 536 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #22.
Mountain Discovery
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Gr: K-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Swain County West Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
4142 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Gr: K-6 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Swain County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Gr: 6-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
Swain County East Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4747 Ela Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Gr: K-5 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
Cherokee Central Elementary School
130 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Gr: K-5 | 607 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: n/an/a
Cherokee Central High School
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Gr: 6-12 | 693 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
Cherokee Extension School
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
Swain Academy
Alternative School
1417 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3120
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 47%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC include Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Swain County?
9 public schools are located in Swain County.
What percentage of students in Swain County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Swain County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Swain County are often viewed compared to one another?

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