For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 2,355 students in Sylva, NC (there are , serving 161 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Sylva, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Sylva, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Fairview School and Smoky Mountain High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sylva, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Sylva have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 30% 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 Sylva, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jackson Co Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Gr: 9-13 | 109 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
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.
Smoky Mountain High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Gr: 9-12 | 899 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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%
Sylva, North Carolina 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 schools in Sylva, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Sylva, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Fairview School and Smoky Mountain High School.
How many public schools are located in Sylva?
6 public schools are located in Sylva.
What percentage of students in Sylva go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Sylva are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Sylva?
Sylva public schools minority enrollment is 30% 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 Sylva are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Sylva include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Scotts Creek School vs. Fairview School, Jackson Community School vs. Jackson Co Early College
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.