Swain County Schools & Education
Swain County, North Carolina
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,915
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
35/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#53
of 100 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Swain County, North Carolina
A Small and Focused Learning Community
Swain County hosts 2,084 students across six public schools, creating one of the most intimate systems in the state. The landscape features three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one specialized campus. Two districts manage the local education, providing both traditional and charter options.
Steady Achievement in the Mountains
The county maintains a 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national benchmark perfectly. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,915, which aligns almost exactly with the North Carolina state average. These metrics support a solid school score of 51.8, keeping pace with statewide performance levels.
Traditional and Charter School Diversity
Swain County Schools serves the majority of the population with 1,910 students across five schools. Mountain Discovery Charter School offers a smaller alternative, enrolling 174 students and making up nearly 17% of the county's school count. Swain County High School is the largest campus in the region with 560 students.
Purely Rural Education Experience
Every single school in Swain County is classified as a rural locale, offering a consistent environment focused on the local community. The average school size is just 347 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their students well. From Swain County West Elementary to the high school, the feeling is neighborly and focused.
Find Your Home in a Mountain School District
Families looking for a truly rural and small-scale educational experience will find Swain County to be a perfect fit. The intimate school sizes and consistent graduation rates offer peace of mind for parents. Explore properties near Bryson City to be close to the heart of this dedicated school system.
School Overview
Total Schools
6
in Swain County
Total Enrollment
2,084
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
17% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Swain County
Swain County Schools
Mountain Discovery Charter School
6 Public Schools in Swain County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swain County High School | Swain County Schools | 9–12 | High | 560 |
| Swain County Middle School | Swain County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 485 |
| Swain County West Elementary | Swain County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 403 |
| Swain County East Elementary | Swain County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 339 |
| Mountain Discovery | Mountain Discovery Charter School | KG–8 | Charter | 174 |
| Cherokee Extension School | Swain County Schools | KG–12 | Other | 123 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,915
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Swain County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Swain County, North Carolina?
Swain County hosts 2,084 students across six public schools, creating one of the most intimate systems in the state. The landscape features three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one specialized campus. Two districts manage the local education, providing both traditional and charter options.
How do schools in Swain County perform academically?
The county maintains a 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national benchmark perfectly. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,915, which aligns almost exactly with the North Carolina state average. These metrics support a solid school score of 51.8, keeping pace with statewide performance levels.
What are the major school districts in Swain County, North Carolina?
Swain County Schools serves the majority of the population with 1,910 students across five schools. Mountain Discovery Charter School offers a smaller alternative, enrolling 174 students and making up nearly 17% of the county's school count. Swain County High School is the largest campus in the region with 560 students.
What is the school experience like in Swain County?
Every single school in Swain County is classified as a rural locale, offering a consistent environment focused on the local community. The average school size is just 347 students, ensuring that teachers and administrators know their students well. From Swain County West Elementary to the high school, the feeling is neighborly and focused.
How can I find homes near good schools in Swain County, North Carolina?
Families looking for a truly rural and small-scale educational experience will find Swain County to be a perfect fit. The intimate school sizes and consistent graduation rates offer peace of mind for parents. Explore properties near Bryson City to be close to the heart of this dedicated school system.
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.