For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,824 students in Waynesville, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 251 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Waynesville, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC are Tuscola High School, Bethel Middle School and Junaluska Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waynesville, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Waynesville have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Waynesville, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Grades: 9-12
| 908 students
Rank: #22.
Bethel Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
630 Sonoma Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Grades: 6-8
| 249 students
Rank: #33.
Junaluska Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2238 Asheville Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Grades: K-5
| 421 students
Rank: #44.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Grades: PK-5
| 495 students
Rank: #55.
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
410 Hall Drive
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Grades: PK-5
| 345 students
Rank: #66.
Waynesville Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
495 Brown Ave
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Grades: 6-8
| 708 students
Rank: #77.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Grades: K-11
| 630 students
Rank: #88.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Grades: 9-12
| 68 students
Waynesville, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Grades: PK-5
| 248 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC include Tuscola High School, Bethel Middle School and Junaluska Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Waynesville?
8 public schools are located in Waynesville.
What percentage of students in Waynesville go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Waynesville are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public schools minority enrollment is 16% 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 Waynesville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Waynesville include: Hazelwood Elementary School vs. Shining Rock Classical Academy, Bethel Middle School vs. Waynesville Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School vs. Shining Rock Classical Academy
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