For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,628 students in Macon County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Macon County, NC are Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Macon County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Macon County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Franklin High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 29% 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 Macon County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Franklin High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 Panther Drive
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6467
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6467
Grades: 9-12
| 1,036 students
Rank: #22.
Highlands School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
545 Pierson Dr
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Grades: K-12
| 319 students
Rank: #33.
Macon Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
77 Siler Farm Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2002
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2002
Grades: 9-13
| 132 students
Rank: #44.
Macon Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
158 Union School Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-3314
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-3314
Grades: K-12
| 34 students
Rank: #55.
Bartram Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
158 Union School Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-1277
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-1277
Grades: 9-12
| 107 students
Macon County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
51 Cowee School Dr
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Grades: 3-5
| n/a students
145 River Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2744
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2744
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Macon County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Macon County, NC include Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School.
How many public high schools are located in Macon County?
5 public high schools are located in Macon County.
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public high schools minority enrollment is 29% 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 Macon County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Macon County include: Franklin High School vs. Highlands School, Highlands School vs. Franklin High School, Franklin High School vs. Macon Early College High School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.