For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,191 students in Candler, NC (there are , serving 285 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Candler, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Candler, NC are Enka High School, Pisgah Elementary School and Hominy Valley Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Candler, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Candler 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 Candler, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Enka High School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
475 Enka Lake Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5000
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,037 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
Pisgah Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1495 Pisgah Hwy
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5023
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5023
Gr: K-4 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Hominy Valley Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
450 Enka Lake Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 665-0619
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 665-0619
Gr: K-4 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #44.
Candler Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Candler School Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5018
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5018
Gr: PK-4 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Enka Intermediate
(Math: 53% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
125 Asheville Commerce Parkway
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 255-1380
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 255-1380
Gr: 5-6 | 577 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #66.
Enka Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
390 Asbury Road
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5010
Candler, NC 28715
(828) 670-5010
Gr: 7-8 | 617 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Candler, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Candler, NC include Enka High School, Pisgah Elementary School and Hominy Valley Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Candler?
6 public schools are located in Candler.
What percentage of students in Candler go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Candler are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Candler?
Candler 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 Candler are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Candler include: Candler Elementary School vs. Hominy Valley Elementary School, Pisgah Elementary School vs. Candler Elementary School, Pisgah Elementary School vs. Hominy Valley Elementary School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.