For the 2025-26 school year, there are 2 public schools serving 1,136 students in 28759, NC (there are , serving 73 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28759, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28759, NC are Glenn C Marlow Elementary School and Mills River Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28759 have an average math proficiency score of 79% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 71% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28759, NC have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28759, NC Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Glenn C Marlow Elementary School
(Math: 83% | Reading: 77%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1985 Butler Bridge Road
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 654-3225
Gr: K-5 | 557 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Mills River Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
94 School House Road
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 891-6563
Mills River, NC 28759
(828) 891-6563
Gr: PK-5 | 579 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28759, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28759, NC include Glenn C Marlow Elementary School and Mills River Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28759?
2 public schools are located in 28759.
What percentage of students in 28759 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28759 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28759?
28759 public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.

COVID-19鈥檚 Lasting Impact on U.S. Public Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.