Top Rankings
Haywood County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Highest math proficiency (Top 20%)
Science Proficiency
Highest science proficiency (Top 20%)
Community Size
Largest student body (number of students) (Top 1%)
For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 2,054 students in Haywood County Schools. This district's average high testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public high schools in North Carolina.
Public High Schools in Haywood County Schools have an average math proficiency score of 81% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 58% statewide average).
Public High School in Haywood County School have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Pisgah High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (NC)
# Schools
15 Schools
758 Schools
# Students
6,550 Students
565,236 Students
# Teachers
435 Teachers
33,421 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Haywood County Schools, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 320 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 86% has increased from 85% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#72 out of 325 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)65%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
63%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)89%
86%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.28
0.70
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
10%
20%
% Black
1%
24%
% White
85%
45%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,495 is higher than the state median of $11,192. The school district revenue/student has grown by 20% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,356 is higher than the state median of $11,617. The school district spending/student has grown by 16% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$82 MM
$17,307 MM
Spending
$81 MM
$17,964 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,495
$11,192
Spending / Student
$12,356
$11,617
Best Haywood County Schools Public High Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Haywood Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
185 Freedlander Drive
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 565-4000
Gr: 9-13 | 170 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Pisgah High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1 Black Bear Drive
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Gr: 9-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Gr: 9-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Gr: 9-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
