For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 1,437 students in Swain County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC are Mountain Discovery 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Swain County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Swain County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
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
Gr: 6-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
200 Ravensford Drive
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Cherokee, NC 28719
(828) 554-5030
Gr: 6-12 | 693 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Swain County, NC include Mountain Discovery and Swain County Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Swain County?
4 public middle schools are located in Swain County.
What is the racial composition of students in Swain County?
Swain County public middle schools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.