For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,628 students in Macon County, NC.
The top-ranked public high 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 high schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 60% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Macon County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 92%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Franklin High School, with 98% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Macon County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,036 student Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
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
Gr: K-12 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
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
Gr: 9-13 | 132 students Student-teacher ratio: 33:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: K-12 | 34 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Macon County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Macon County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Macon County, NC include Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School.
How many public high schools are located in Macon County?
5 public high schools are located in Macon County.
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public high schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Macon County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Macon County include: Macon Early College High School vs. Franklin High School, Franklin High School vs. Highlands School, Highlands School vs. Franklin High School
Recent Articles
Transitioning to High School: A Family Guide
Learn how to prepare for high school with practical tips for families before freshman year, from academics to social readiness.
School Vouchers 2026: Updated Pros and Cons
Explore school vouchers in 2026, including updated pros, cons, policy changes, and what families should know before choosing.
Transitioning to Middle School: Summer Planning Guide
A practical 2026 summer planning guide to help parents support a smooth middle school transition for their child.
