For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,507 students in Jackson County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Smoky Mountain High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Jackson County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Smoky Mountain High School, with 93% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 31% 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 Jackson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jackson Co Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Gr: 9-13 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
Summit Charter
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
370 Mitten Lane
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Gr: K-12 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #33.
Smoky Mountain High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Gr: 9-12 | 899 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Jackson Community School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3770 Skyland Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Gr: 5-12 | 69 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #55.
Blue Ridge Early College
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Dr
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Gr: 7-13 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Jackson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Gr: K-8 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Smoky Mountain High School.
How many public high schools are located in Jackson County?
5 public high schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public high schools minority enrollment is 31% 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 Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Jackson County include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Blue Ridge Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Jackson Community School vs. Jackson Co Early College
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.