Swain County High School is a public high school located in Bryson City, North Carolina. Swain County High School is a part of the Swain County School System. It is the only 9–12 high school in the county.
Serving 536 students in grades 9-12, Swain County High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 536 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Swain County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Swain County High School's student population of 536 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
536 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Year Founded
1950
Campus Size
50 acres
School Rankings
Swain County High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Swain County High School is 0.51, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1012 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)45-49%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
American Indian
18%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
7%
22%
Black
n/a
24%
White
67%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Maroon Devils
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swain County High School's ranking?
Swain County High School is ranked #1012 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Swain County High School?
The graduation rate of Swain County High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Swain County High School?
536 students attend Swain County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Swain County High School students are White, 18% of students are American Indian, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Swain County High School?
Swain County High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Swain County High School offer ?
Swain County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Swain County High School part of?
Swain County High School is part of Swain County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Swain County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
