For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 719 students in Avery County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Avery County, NC are Avery County High School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public high schools.
Avery County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 79%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Avery County High School, with 85-89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Avery County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Avery County High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9-12
| 594 students
Rank: #22.
Blue Ridge High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
76 Old Montezuma Rd
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Grades: 6-12
| 15 students
Rank: #33.
Marjorie Williams Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
129 Allen Circle
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Grades: K-12
| 110 students
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9-12
| 85 students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9
| 52 students
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Avery County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Avery County, NC include Avery County High School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Avery County?
3 public high schools are located in Avery County.
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public high schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Avery County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Avery County include: Blue Ridge High School vs. Avery County High School, Avery County High School vs. Blue Ridge High School
Recent Articles

What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We鈥檒l take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.

What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.

鈥淪mart Snacks鈥 Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.