For the 2024-25 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 3,907 students in Jackson County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 161 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Jackson County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Fairview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% 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 Jackson County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Jackson Co Early College
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Grades: 9-13
| 101 students
Rank: #22.
Summit Charter
Magnet School
Charter School
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
Grades: K-12
| 292 students
Rank: #33.
Fairview Elementary School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-8
| 762 students
Rank: #44.
Smoky Mountain High School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Grades: 9-12
| 899 students
Rank: #55.
Catamount School
Magnet 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
Grades: 6-8
| 59 students
Rank: #66.
Blue Ridge School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-6
| 165 students
Rank: #77.
Cullowhee Valley School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-8
| 619 students
Rank: #88.
Scotts Creek Elementary School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-8
| 451 students
Rank: #99.
Jackson Community School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet 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
Grades: 6-12
| 75 students
Rank: #1010.
Blue Ridge Early College
Magnet School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Dr
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Grades: 7-13
| 131 students
Rank: #1111.
Smokey Mountain Elementary School
Magnet 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
Grades: PK-8
| 353 students
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Grades: K-8
| 750 students
398 Hospital Road
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2311
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2311
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Jackson County, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Fairview Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Jackson County?
11 public schools are located in Jackson County.
What percentage of students in Jackson County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Jackson County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public schools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Jackson County include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Cullowhee Valley School vs. Fairview Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School vs. Cullowhee Valley School
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