For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,692 students in Mitchell County, NC (there are , serving 75 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Mitchell County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC are Mayland Early College, Mitchell High School and Harris Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mitchell County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Mitchell County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% 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 Mitchell County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mayland Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
264 Mayland Dr
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2590
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2590
Gr: 9-13 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Mitchell High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
416 Ledger School Rd
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3400
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3400
Gr: 9-12 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Harris Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-3340
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-3340
Gr: 6-8 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Gouge Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
134 Laurel Street
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-2260
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-2260
Gr: K-4 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Deyton Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
308 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2070
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2070
Gr: 3-5 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Bowman Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
410 S Mitchell Avenue
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3370
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3370
Gr: 5-8 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
2206 Carters Ridge Road
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-9562
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-9562
Gr: PK-2 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Mitchell County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
12190 North Hwy 226
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 688-2324
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 688-2324
Gr: K-5 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
121 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-2321
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-2321
Gr: 6-8 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC include Mayland Early College, Mitchell High School and Harris Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Mitchell County?
9 public schools are located in Mitchell County.
What percentage of students in Mitchell County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Mitchell County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mitchell County?
Mitchell County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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