For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,760 students in Jackson County, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Jackson County, NC are Summit Charter, Fairview School and Catamount School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Jackson County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
Fairview School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Gr: PK-8 | 781 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Catamount School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Dr
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 331-1775
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 331-1775
Gr: 6-8 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
Blue Ridge School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Drive
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Gr: PK-6 | 149 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #55.
Cullowhee Valley School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
240 Wisdom Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 293-5667
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 293-5667
Gr: PK-8 | 609 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #66.
Scotts Creek School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 Parris Branch
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Gr: PK-8 | 438 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #77.
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: #88.
Smokey Mountain Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
884 Us Hwy 441n
Whittier, NC 28789
(828) 497-5535
Whittier, NC 28789
(828) 497-5535
Gr: PK-8 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
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 elementary schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Jackson County, NC include Summit Charter, Fairview School and Catamount School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Jackson County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Jackson County include: Cullowhee Valley School vs. Fairview School, Scotts Creek School vs. Fairview School, Fairview School vs. Cullowhee Valley School
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