For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,386 students in Swain County, NC (there are , serving 113 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Swain County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC are Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Swain County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swain County High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1415 Fontana Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2152
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2152
Gr: 9-12 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Mountain Discovery
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Gr: K-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
Swain County West Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4142 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Gr: K-5 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Swain County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Gr: 6-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #55.
Swain County East Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4747 Ela Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Gr: K-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
130 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Gr: K-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Gr: 6-12 | 675 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 102 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Swain County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1415 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Gr: 9-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Swain County, NC include Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Swain County?
9 public schools are located in Swain County.
What percentage of students in Swain County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Swain County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public schools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Swain County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Swain County include: Swain County West Elementary School vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Mountain Discovery vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Swain County East Elementary School vs. Swain County West Elementary School
Recent Articles
What It Takes to Run a Public School Day-to-Day
Explore what it takes to run a public school daily, from leadership and staffing to budgeting, safety, and student support systems.
Restorative Justice in Schools: What the Data Shows
Explore restorative justice in schools, including discipline data, outcomes, and implementation insights for educators and families.
Year-Round School Calendars: Pros, Cons, Research
Explore year-round school calendars, including benefits, drawbacks, and what academic research says about student outcomes.