For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,899 students in Jackson County, NC (there are , serving 161 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Jackson County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Fairview School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Jackson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Jackson Co Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Grades: 9-13
| 109 students
Rank: #22.
Summit Charter
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
370 Mitten Lane
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Grades: K-12
| 299 students
Rank: #33.
Fairview School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Grades: PK-8
| 781 students
Rank: #44.
Smoky Mountain High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Grades: 9-12
| 899 students
Rank: #55.
Catamount School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Dr
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 331-1775
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 331-1775
Grades: 6-8
| 59 students
Rank: #66.
Blue Ridge School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Drive
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Grades: PK-6
| 149 students
Rank: #77.
Cullowhee Valley School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
240 Wisdom Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 293-5667
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 293-5667
Grades: PK-8
| 609 students
Rank: #88.
Scotts Creek School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 Parris Branch
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Grades: PK-8
| 438 students
Rank: #99.
Jackson Community School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3770 Skyland Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Grades: 5-12
| 69 students
Rank: #1010.
Blue Ridge Early College
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Dr
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Grades: 7-13
| 131 students
Rank: #1111.
Smokey Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
884 Us Hwy 441n
Whittier, NC 28789
(828) 497-5535
Whittier, NC 28789
(828) 497-5535
Grades: PK-8
| 356 students
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Grades: K-8
| 750 students
398 Hospital Road
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2311
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2311
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Fairview School.
How many public schools are located in Jackson County?
11 public schools are located in Jackson County.
What percentage of students in Jackson County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Jackson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Jackson County include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Cullowhee Valley School vs. Fairview School, Fairview School vs. Cullowhee Valley School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
