Buncombe County Schools & Education
Buncombe County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
52/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,356
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
52/100
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
#20
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Buncombe County
School Verdict
Buncombe County performs at an average level with a school score of 52/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.8%.
Funding Context
At $7,356 per pupil, Buncombe County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Buncombe County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 31% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 2.8 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 6% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Extensive Education Network in the Mountains
Buncombe County features a robust system of 60 public schools, serving nearly 30,000 students across 8 districts. The landscape includes 32 elementary schools and 13 high schools, creating a comprehensive educational framework for the region. This large infrastructure supports a diverse student body from urban Asheville to the surrounding peaks.
High Performance and Strong Financial Support
The county boasts a stellar 90.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state's 88.0% and the nation's 87.0%. A per-pupil expenditure of $7,356 reflects a commitment to funding that exceeds the state average by nearly $400. This investment yields a composite school score of 54.7, well above the state average.
Major Districts and Diverse Charter Options
Buncombe County Schools is the largest district with 22,091 students, followed by Asheville City Schools with 4,137 students. Six charter schools, including the large IC Imagine with 1,248 students, represent 10% of the county's total schools. These multiple districts offer residents various governance models and specialized educational environments.
Urban Centers to Suburban Mountain Campuses
The county offers high locale diversity with 27 city schools, 26 suburban schools, and 7 rural campuses. While the average school hosts 488 students, flagship campuses like Roberson High enrollment reach nearly 1,500. This variety ensures that families can find anything from a bustling urban high school to a quiet suburban elementary.
Secure Your Future Near Top-Tier Schools
With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Buncombe County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Homes in the Roberson High or IC Imagine zones are particularly sought after for their academic reputations and robust facilities. Use these high-performing districts as a guide for your next mountain home search.
School Overview
Total Schools
60
in Buncombe County
Total Enrollment
29,277
students
School Districts
8
districts
Charter Schools
6
10% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
8 School Districts in Buncombe County
Buncombe County Schools
Asheville City Schools
Invest Collegiate - Imagine
The Franklin School of Innovation
Evergreen Community Charter
ArtSpace Charter
Francine Delany New School
Asheville PEAK Academy
60 Public Schools in Buncombe County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roberson High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,491 |
| IC Imagine | Invest Collegiate - Imagine | KG–12 | Charter | 1,248 |
| Asheville High | Asheville City Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,166 |
| Reynolds High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,133 |
| Erwin High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,096 |
| Enka High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,045 |
| North Buncombe High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 956 |
| Estes Elementary | Buncombe County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 732 |
| The Franklin School of Innovation | The Franklin School of Innovation | 5–12 | Charter | 694 |
| Owen High | Buncombe County Schools | 9–12 | High | 689 |
| Fairview Elementary | Buncombe County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 659 |
| Koontz Intermediate | Buncombe County Schools | 5–6 | Middle | 650 |
| Valley Springs Middle | Buncombe County Schools | 5–8 | Middle | 634 |
| Enka Middle | Buncombe County Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 602 |
| Asheville Middle | Asheville City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 589 |
| West Buncombe Elementary | Buncombe County Schools | KG–4 | Primary | 588 |
| Enka Intermediate | Buncombe County Schools | 5–6 | Middle | 573 |
| North Buncombe Elementary | Buncombe County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 569 |
| Erwin Middle | Buncombe County Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 568 |
| Eblen Intermediate | Buncombe County Schools | 5–6 | Middle | 555 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,356
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Buncombe County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Buncombe County?
How much does Buncombe County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Buncombe County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
Buncombe County features a robust system of 60 public schools, serving nearly 30,000 students across 8 districts. The landscape includes 32 elementary schools and 13 high schools, creating a comprehensive educational framework for the region. This large infrastructure supports a diverse student body from urban Asheville to the surrounding peaks.
How do schools in Buncombe County perform academically?
The county boasts a stellar 90.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state's 88.0% and the nation's 87.0%. A per-pupil expenditure of $7,356 reflects a commitment to funding that exceeds the state average by nearly $400. This investment yields a composite school score of 54.7, well above the state average.
What are the major school districts in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
Buncombe County Schools is the largest district with 22,091 students, followed by Asheville City Schools with 4,137 students. Six charter schools, including the large IC Imagine with 1,248 students, represent 10% of the county's total schools. These multiple districts offer residents various governance models and specialized educational environments.
What is the school experience like in Buncombe County?
The county offers high locale diversity with 27 city schools, 26 suburban schools, and 7 rural campuses. While the average school hosts 488 students, flagship campuses like Roberson High enrollment reach nearly 1,500. This variety ensures that families can find anything from a bustling urban high school to a quiet suburban elementary.
How can I find homes near good schools in Buncombe County, North Carolina?
With graduation rates exceeding 90%, Buncombe County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education. Homes in the Roberson High or IC Imagine zones are particularly sought after for their academic reputations and robust facilities. Use these high-performing districts as a guide for your next mountain home search.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.