For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 2,684 students in Haywood County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC are Haywood Early College, Pisgah High School and Tuscola High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Haywood County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Haywood County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Haywood County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pisgah High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Haywood County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Haywood Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Gr: 9-13 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Pisgah High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1 Black Bear Drive
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Gr: 9-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Gr: 9-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Gr: K-11 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Gr: 9-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Haywood County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Haywood County, NC include Haywood Early College, Pisgah High School and Tuscola High School.
How many public high schools are located in Haywood County?
5 public high schools are located in Haywood County.
What is the racial composition of students in Haywood County?
Haywood County public high schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Haywood County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Haywood County include: Tuscola High School vs. Pisgah High School, Pisgah High School vs. Tuscola High School, Haywood Early College vs. Pisgah High School
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