For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 1,437 students in Swain County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC are Mountain Discovery and Swain County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Swain County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mountain Discovery
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Gr: K-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Swain County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Gr: 6-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: n/an/a
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Gr: 6-12 | 675 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 102 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Swain County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1415 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Gr: 9-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC include Mountain Discovery and Swain County Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Swain County?
4 public middle schools are located in Swain County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public middle schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.
