Madison County Schools & Education
Madison County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
58/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,728
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
58/100
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
#14
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Madison County
School Verdict
Madison County performs at an average level with a school score of 58/100 and a solid graduation rate of 91.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,728 per pupil, Madison County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Madison County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 44% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 11% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Madison County, North Carolina
Personalized Learning in a Rural Mountain Setting
Madison County operates a focused educational network of 7 public schools serving 2,108 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all managed by a single central district. This small-scale system ensures an intimate learning environment across its predominantly rural landscape.
High Graduation Rates Outpace National Benchmarks
Madison County achieves an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the North Carolina average of 88.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. The county invests $7,728 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,969. These investments contribute to a school score of 55.6, outperforming the state median of 52.4.
Madison County Schools Leads Local Education
Madison County Schools serves as the sole district for the area, managing all 2,108 students across its 7 campuses. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating all public resources into the traditional district system. This unified approach provides consistent curriculum and oversight for all local families.
Quiet Rural Campuses with Small Class Sizes
Education here is defined by a rural feel, with six of the seven schools situated in countryside settings and an average enrollment of just 301 students. Mars Hill Elementary is the largest campus with 500 students, while Madison Early College High provides a more specialized experience for 249 students. This scale fosters a close-knit community where teachers and students know each other well.
Find a Home in Madison’s Top-Performing District
Families looking for high graduation rates and a tranquil mountain lifestyle should explore homes near Mars Hill or Marshall. The county’s strong academic scores and rural character make it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing public education quality. Explore local listings to find a residence within the Madison County Schools boundary.
School Overview
Total Schools
7
in Madison County
Total Enrollment
2,108
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 Madison County
Madison County Schools
7 Public Schools in Madison County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mars Hill Elementary | Madison County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 500 |
| Madison Middle School | Madison County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 452 |
| Madison High School | Madison County Schools | 9–12 | High | 414 |
| Brush Creek Elementary | Madison County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 333 |
| Madison Early College High | Madison County Schools | 9–UG | High | 249 |
| Hot Springs Elementary | Madison County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 140 |
| Madison Velocity Learning Center | Madison County Schools | 9–12 | Alternative | 20 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,728
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Madison County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Madison County?
How much does Madison County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Madison County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Madison County, North Carolina?
Madison County operates a focused educational network of 7 public schools serving 2,108 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, all managed by a single central district. This small-scale system ensures an intimate learning environment across its predominantly rural landscape.
How do schools in Madison County perform academically?
Madison County achieves an impressive 91.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the North Carolina average of 88.0% and the national mark of 87.0%. The county invests $7,728 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,969. These investments contribute to a school score of 55.6, outperforming the state median of 52.4.
What are the major school districts in Madison County, North Carolina?
Madison County Schools serves as the sole district for the area, managing all 2,108 students across its 7 campuses. Currently, there are no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating all public resources into the traditional district system. This unified approach provides consistent curriculum and oversight for all local families.
What is the school experience like in Madison County?
Education here is defined by a rural feel, with six of the seven schools situated in countryside settings and an average enrollment of just 301 students. Mars Hill Elementary is the largest campus with 500 students, while Madison Early College High provides a more specialized experience for 249 students. This scale fosters a close-knit community where teachers and students know each other well.
How can I find homes near good schools in Madison County, North Carolina?
Families looking for high graduation rates and a tranquil mountain lifestyle should explore homes near Mars Hill or Marshall. The county’s strong academic scores and rural character make it an attractive option for buyers prioritizing public education quality. Explore local listings to find a residence within the Madison County Schools boundary.
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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.