For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 1,507 students in Jackson County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Smoky Mountain High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jackson County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Jackson County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Jackson County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Smoky Mountain High School, with 93% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Jackson County (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.
Summit Charter
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
370 Mitten Lane
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-5755
Gr: K-12 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
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.
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%
Rank: #55.
Blue Ridge Early College
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
95 Bobcat Dr
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Cashiers, NC 28717
(828) 743-2646
Gr: 7-13 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Jackson County 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 high schools in Jackson County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Jackson County, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Summit Charter and Smoky Mountain High School.
How many public high schools are located in Jackson County?
5 public high schools are located in Jackson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Jackson County?
Jackson County public high schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Jackson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Jackson County include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Blue Ridge Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Jackson Community School vs. Jackson Co Early College