For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,878 students in Burnsville, NC (there are , serving 144 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Burnsville, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Burnsville, NC are Mountain Heritage High School, Blue Ridge Elementary School and South Toe Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Burnsville, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 58% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Burnsville have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Burnsville, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mountain Heritage High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
333 Mtn Heritage Hs Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-6103
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-6103
Gr: 9-12 | 633 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Blue Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
910 Cane River School Rd
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-8150
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-8150
Gr: PK-5 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
South Toe Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
139 South Toe School Rd
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 675-4321
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 675-4321
Gr: K-5 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
East Yancey Middle School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
285 Georges Fork Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2281
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2281
Gr: 6-8 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
Burnsville Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
395 Burnsville School Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-4515
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-4515
Gr: PK-5 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Cane River Middle School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1128 Cane River School Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2202
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2202
Gr: 6-8 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Burnsville, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Bald Creek School Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2535
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2535
Gr: PK-5 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
55 Bee Log Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-3271
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-3271
Gr: K-5 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
1175 Clearmont School Road
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2337
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-2337
Gr: K-5 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
505 Burnsville School Rd
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-6101
Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-6101
Gr: K-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Burnsville, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Burnsville, NC include Mountain Heritage High School, Blue Ridge Elementary School and South Toe Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Burnsville?
6 public schools are located in Burnsville.
What percentage of students in Burnsville go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Burnsville are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Burnsville?
Burnsville public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Burnsville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Burnsville include: Burnsville Elementary School vs. South Toe Elementary School, South Toe Elementary School vs. Burnsville Elementary School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.