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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Waynesville Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,851 students in Waynesville, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Waynesville, NC are Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waynesville, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Waynesville have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Waynesville, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bethel Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
630 Sonoma Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Gr: 6-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
Junaluska Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2238 Asheville Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Gr: K-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
410 Hall Drive
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #55.
Waynesville Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
495 Brown Ave
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Gr: 6-8 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Gr: K-12 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Waynesville, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Waynesville, NC include Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Waynesville?
6 public elementary schools are located in Waynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Waynesville are often viewed compared to one another?

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