For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,606 students in Waynesville, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Waynesville, NC are Tuscola High School, Shining Rock Classical Academy and Central Haywood High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waynesville, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Waynesville have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Waynesville, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 79%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Tuscola High School, with 89% 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).
Best Public High Schools in Waynesville, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 908 students
Rank: #22.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Grades: K-11
| 630 students
Rank: #33.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 68 students
Waynesville, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Grades: PK-5
| 248 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Waynesville, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Waynesville, NC include Tuscola High School, Shining Rock Classical Academy and Central Haywood High School.
How many public high schools are located in Waynesville?
3 public high schools are located in Waynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public high schools minority enrollment is 17% 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 Waynesville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Waynesville include: Central Haywood High School vs. Tuscola High School
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