For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,760 students in Jackson County, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Jackson County, NC are Summit Charter, Fairview School and Catamount School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Jackson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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
Gr: K-12 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
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
Gr: PK-8 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: PK-6 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
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
Gr: PK-8 | 609 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: PK-8 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #77.
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
Gr: 5-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #88.
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
Gr: PK-8 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Gr: K-8 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Jackson County, NC include Summit Charter, Fairview School and Catamount School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Jackson County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Jackson County include: Cullowhee Valley School vs. Fairview School, Scotts Creek School vs. Fairview School, Fairview School vs. Cullowhee Valley School
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