For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,827 students in Swain County, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC are Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Swain County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mountain Discovery
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Gr: K-8 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
Swain County West Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4142 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Gr: K-5 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Swain County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Gr: 6-8 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Swain County East Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4747 Ela Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Gr: K-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
130 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Gr: K-5 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Gr: 6-12 | 675 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 102 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Swain County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1415 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Gr: 9-12 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC include Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Swain County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Swain County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Swain County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Swain County include: Swain County West Elementary School vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Mountain Discovery vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Swain County East Elementary School vs. Swain County West Elementary School
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.