Avery County Schools & Education
Avery County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
34/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
77.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
77.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,859
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
34/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#59
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Avery County
School Verdict
Avery County faces educational challenges with a school score of 34/100 and a graduation rate of 77.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,859 per pupil, Avery County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Avery County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 16% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 11.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 13% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Avery County, North Carolina
Small Class Sizes in Avery County
Avery County features 10 public schools serving a total enrollment of 2,103 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, two middle, and two high schools spread across two districts.
High Investment Amidst Graduation Challenges
Avery County spends a generous $7,859 per pupil, well above the state average of $6,969. However, the 77.0% graduation rate highlights a significant area for potential improvement compared to the state's 88.0% average.
Public and Private Partnership Models
Avery County Schools is the primary district with 1,904 students, while Marjorie Williams Academy operates as a charter-style district. Charter schools represent 10% of the county's total educational landscape.
A Close-Knit Rural Learning Environment
Nine of the 10 schools are in rural settings, with an average enrollment of just 210 students per school. Avery County High is the largest school with 613 students, ensuring personalized attention for most learners.
Find Your Place in Avery County
If you value small school sizes and high per-pupil funding, Avery County has much to offer. Search for homes near Newland to be close to the heart of the county's educational network.
School Overview
Total Schools
10
in Avery County
Total Enrollment
2,103
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
10% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Avery County
Avery County Schools
Marjorie Williams Academy
10 Public Schools in Avery County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avery County High | Avery County Schools | 9–12 | High | 613 |
| Avery Middle | Avery County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 230 |
| Newland Elementary | Avery County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 209 |
| Freedom Trail Elementary | Avery County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 207 |
| Crossnore Elementary | Avery County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 199 |
| Banner Elk Elementary | Avery County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 176 |
| Cranberry Middle | Avery County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 170 |
| Mayland Early College | Mitchell County Schools | 9–UG | High | 119 |
| Riverside Elementary | Avery County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 100 |
| Marjorie Williams Academy | Marjorie Williams Academy | KG–12 | Charter | 80 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,859
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Avery County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Avery County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Avery County?
How much does Avery County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Avery County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Avery County, North Carolina?
Avery County features 10 public schools serving a total enrollment of 2,103 students. The infrastructure includes five elementary, two middle, and two high schools spread across two districts.
How do schools in Avery County perform academically?
Avery County spends a generous $7,859 per pupil, well above the state average of $6,969. However, the 77.0% graduation rate highlights a significant area for potential improvement compared to the state's 88.0% average.
What are the major school districts in Avery County, North Carolina?
Avery County Schools is the primary district with 1,904 students, while Marjorie Williams Academy operates as a charter-style district. Charter schools represent 10% of the county's total educational landscape.
What is the school experience like in Avery County?
Nine of the 10 schools are in rural settings, with an average enrollment of just 210 students per school. Avery County High is the largest school with 613 students, ensuring personalized attention for most learners.
How can I find homes near good schools in Avery County, North Carolina?
If you value small school sizes and high per-pupil funding, Avery County has much to offer. Search for homes near Newland to be close to the heart of the county's educational network.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.