For the 2025 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,368 students in Macon County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 143 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Macon County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public 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 schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% 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 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.
Cartoogechaye Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3295 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Grades: PK-4
| 332 students
Rank: #55.
South Macon Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
855 Addington Bridge Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Grades: PK-4
| 477 students
Rank: #66.
East Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
100 Watauga St
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Grades: K-4
| 336 students
Rank: #77.
Mountain View Intermediate
(Math: 49% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
161 Clarks Chapel Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Grades: 5-6
| 605 students
Rank: #88.
Macon Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Wells Grove Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3766
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3766
Grades: 7-8
| 573 students
Rank: #99.
Iotla Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1166 Iotla Church Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Grades: PK-4
| 417 students
Rank: #1010.
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: #1111.
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 schools in Macon County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Macon County, NC include Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School.
How many public schools are located in Macon County?
11 public schools are located in Macon County.
What percentage of students in Macon County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Macon County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public schools minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Macon County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Macon County include: Franklin High School vs. Highlands School, Franklin High School vs. Macon Early College High School, Highlands School vs. Franklin High School
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