For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public elementary schools serving 2,827 students in Swain County, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC are Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Swain County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Swain County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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
130 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5020
Grades: K-5
| 621 students
Rank: n/an/a
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Grades: 6-12
| 675 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
Swain County 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 elementary schools in Swain County, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Swain County, NC include Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Swain County?
7 public elementary schools are located in Swain County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Swain County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Swain County 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
The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.
The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.