For the 2024-25 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,984 students in Avery County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 109 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Avery County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Avery County, NC are Banner Elk Elementary School, Avery County High School and Crossnore Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Avery County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Banner Elk Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
155 Orchard Lane
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Grades: PK-5
| 176 students
Rank: #22.
Avery County High School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9-12
| 613 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Crossnore Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Walt Clark Road
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Grades: PK-5
| 199 students
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Freedom Trail Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6110 North Us Hwy 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Grades: PK-5
| 207 students
Rank: #55.
Cranberry Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6230 North Us Highway 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Grades: 6-8
| 170 students
Rank: #66.
Marjorie Williams Academy
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
129 Allen Circle
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Grades: K-12
| 80 students
Rank: #77.
Newland Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
750 Linville Street
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Grades: PK-5
| 209 students
Rank: #88.
Avery Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
102 Old Montezuma Road
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Grades: 6-8
| 230 students
Rank: #99.
Riverside Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8020 Us 19e Hwy South
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Grades: PK-5
| 100 students
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9-12
| 85 students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9
| 52 students
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
Blue Ridge High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
76 Old Montezuma Rd
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Grades: 6-12
| 15 students
Grandfather Academy (Closed 2023)
Charter School
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Avery County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Avery County, NC include Banner Elk Elementary School, Avery County High School and Crossnore Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Avery County?
9 public schools are located in Avery County.
What percentage of students in Avery County go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Avery County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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