For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 517 students in Avery County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC are Cranberry Middle School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Avery County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cranberry Middle School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6230 North Us Highway 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Gr: 6-8 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Blue Ridge High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
76 Old Montezuma Rd
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Marjorie Williams Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
129 Allen Circle
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Avery Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
102 Old Montezuma Road
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Gr: 6-8 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9-12 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Gr: K-5
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Gr: 1-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC include Cranberry Middle School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Avery County?
4 public middle schools are located in Avery County.
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public middle schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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