Macon County Schools & Education
Macon County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
95.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,090
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
64/100
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
#8
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Macon County
School Verdict
Macon County performs at an average level with a school score of 64/100 and a solid graduation rate of 95.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,090 per pupil, Macon County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Macon County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 60% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 7.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Macon County, North Carolina
A dedicated mountain school system
Macon County operates 12 public schools that serve 4,450 students under a single unified district. The system is diverse, featuring four elementary, two middle, three high schools, and three alternative or specialized centers. This centralized structure ensures a cohesive educational experience for all mountain residents.
Exceptional results and higher spending
Macon County boasts a 95% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88% and the national average of 87%. This achievement is supported by a $7,090 per-pupil expenditure, which is above the state average. The resulting school score of 56.4 places it among the higher-performing counties in the state.
One district, one community vision
Macon County Schools is the sole educational district, educating the entire student population of 4,450. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county, focusing all local resources on the public district. This unity allows for streamlined programming and community-wide support for all twelve campuses.
Small rural schools with large impacts
Nine of the county's 12 schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 371 students. Franklin High is the largest campus at 1,005 students, while smaller elementary schools like Comfort offer a highly intimate learning environment. This rural focus provides a quiet, dedicated atmosphere for student learning.
Mountain living with elite graduation rates
Macon County’s 95% graduation rate makes it one of the most attractive mountain counties for families. The high investment in students pays off in classroom success and long-term property stability. Look for homes in Franklin or the surrounding rural valleys to benefit from this excellent school district.
School Overview
Total Schools
12
in Macon County
Total Enrollment
4,450
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Macon County
Macon County Schools
12 Public Schools in Macon County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin High | Macon County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,005 |
| Macon Middle School | Macon County Schools | 7–8 | Middle | 599 |
| Mountain View Intermediate | Macon County Schools | 5–6 | Middle | 567 |
| South Macon Elementary | Macon County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 498 |
| Iotla Valley Elementary | Macon County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 403 |
| East Franklin Elementary | Macon County Schools | KG–4 | Primary | 360 |
| Cartoogechaye Elementary | Macon County Schools | PK–4 | Primary | 349 |
| Highlands School | Macon County Schools | KG–12 | Other | 332 |
| Macon Early College High School | Macon County Schools | 9–UG | High | 115 |
| Union Academy | Macon County Schools | 7–12 | Alternative | 103 |
| Nantahala School | Macon County Schools | KG–12 | Other | 85 |
| Macon Virtual Academy | Macon County Schools | KG–12 | Other | 34 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,090
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Macon County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Macon County?
How much does Macon County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Macon County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Macon County, North Carolina?
Macon County operates 12 public schools that serve 4,450 students under a single unified district. The system is diverse, featuring four elementary, two middle, three high schools, and three alternative or specialized centers. This centralized structure ensures a cohesive educational experience for all mountain residents.
How do schools in Macon County perform academically?
Macon County boasts a 95% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 88% and the national average of 87%. This achievement is supported by a $7,090 per-pupil expenditure, which is above the state average. The resulting school score of 56.4 places it among the higher-performing counties in the state.
What are the major school districts in Macon County, North Carolina?
Macon County Schools is the sole educational district, educating the entire student population of 4,450. There are no charter schools currently operating in the county, focusing all local resources on the public district. This unity allows for streamlined programming and community-wide support for all twelve campuses.
What is the school experience like in Macon County?
Nine of the county's 12 schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 371 students. Franklin High is the largest campus at 1,005 students, while smaller elementary schools like Comfort offer a highly intimate learning environment. This rural focus provides a quiet, dedicated atmosphere for student learning.
How can I find homes near good schools in Macon County, North Carolina?
Macon County’s 95% graduation rate makes it one of the most attractive mountain counties for families. The high investment in students pays off in classroom success and long-term property stability. Look for homes in Franklin or the surrounding rural valleys to benefit from this excellent school district.
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.