For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,090 students in Bryson City, NC (there are , serving 21 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Bryson City, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Bryson City, NC are Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bryson City, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Bryson City have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Bryson City, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Swain County High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1415 Fontana Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2152
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2152
Grades: 9-12
| 559 students
Rank: #22.
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
Grades: K-8
| 193 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: K-5
| 419 students
Rank: #44.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 467 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: K-5
| 350 students
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Grades: K-12
| 102 students
Rank: n/an/a
1417 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3120
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3120
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Bryson City, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1415 Fontana Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0190
Grades: 9-12
| 107 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Bryson City, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Bryson City, NC include Swain County High School, Mountain Discovery and Swain County West Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Bryson City?
7 public schools are located in Bryson City.
What percentage of students in Bryson City go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Bryson City are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Bryson City?
Bryson City public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Bryson City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Bryson City 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

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.