For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,520 students in Macon County, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC are Highlands School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Macon County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 26% 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 Macon County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Highlands School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
545 Pierson Dr
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Gr: K-12 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Cartoogechaye Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3295 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Gr: PK-4 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #33.
South Macon Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
855 Addington Bridge Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Gr: PK-4 | 477 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
East Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
100 Watauga St
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Gr: K-4 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Mountain View Intermediate
(Math: 49% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
161 Clarks Chapel Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Gr: 5-6 | 605 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #66.
Iotla Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1166 Iotla Church Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Gr: PK-4 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #77.
Macon Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
158 Union School Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-3314
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-3314
Gr: K-12 | 34 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Macon County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Macon County, NC include Highlands School, Cartoogechaye Elementary School and South Macon Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Macon County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Macon County.
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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