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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Swain County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,827 students in Swain County, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC are Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Swain County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC include Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Swain County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Swain County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Swain County are often viewed compared to one another?

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