Best Schools in Waynesville, North Carolina
11 schools · 3 Elementary · 3 Middle · 3 High · 2 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 7.0/10
- Median household income
- $59,899
- Median home value
- $274,400
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 32%
- Avg commute
- 23 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 77%
60% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Waynesville compares
North Carolina rank
#38 of 253
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.6
above North Carolina avg (6.4)
Median household income
$60k
88% of North Carolina median
Schools in this city
10
About Schools in Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, North Carolina is home to 11 schools, including 8 public schools and 3 private schools. The city's schools span 3 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools.
With an average rating of 7.0 out of 10, schools in Waynesville perform strongly on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Waynesville is Bethel Middle with a composite score of 8.6/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Waynesville is served by 2 school districts: Shining Rock Classical Academy, Haywood County Schools. These districts collectively serve 7,196 students.
Waynesville's community shows 32% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $59,899. The poverty rate in the area is 11.1%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 421 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.3 |
| 2 | 495 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.9 |
| 3 | 345 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.0 |
Middle Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 249 students · 6th–8th | 8.6 | ||
| 2 | 708 students · 6th–8th | 6.4 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | 8 students · 1st–6th | Not Rated | ||
High Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 908 students · 9th–12th | 6.0 | ||
| 2 | 68 students · 9th–12th | 5.3 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | ACADEMY AT SOAR, SOAR INC.
Private
32 students · 8th–12th | Not Rated | ||
Other Schools
2 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 630 students · Kindergarten–11th | 6.3 | ||
| Private Schools 1 school Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | HAYWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Private
129 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated | ||
Schools in Waynesville
Waynesville, North Carolina · 11 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 2 ZIP codes
Median Income
$59,899
Median Home Value
$274,400
Median Rent
$1,092/mo
Population
30,772
College Educated
32%
Homeownership
77%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
11.1%
Community Profile
Waynesville has a median household income of $59,899. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $274,400, with a median rent of $1,092/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.1%. The average commute for residents is 23 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- North Carolina
- Total Schools
- 11
- Elementary
- 3
- Middle
- 3
- High
- 3
- Districts
- 2
- Avg Rating
- 7.0/10
Resources
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in North Carolina
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Waynesville, North Carolina
How many schools are in Waynesville, North Carolina?
Waynesville has 11 schools, including 8 public and 3 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Waynesville is 7.0 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The top-ranked school in Waynesville on MySchoolScout is Bethel Middle with a composite score of 8.6/10.
What is the best elementary school in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The top-ranked elementary school in Waynesville on MySchoolScout is Junaluska Elementary with a composite score of 8.3/10.
What is the best middle school in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The top-ranked middle school in Waynesville on MySchoolScout is Bethel Middle with a composite score of 8.6/10.
What is the best high school in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The top-ranked high school in Waynesville on MySchoolScout is Academy at Soar, Soar Inc. with a composite score of 7.4/10.
How many school districts serve Waynesville, North Carolina?
Waynesville is served by 2 school districts: Shining Rock Classical Academy, Haywood County Schools.
What is the education level in Waynesville, North Carolina?
According to Census data, 32% of adults in Waynesville have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The median household income in Waynesville is approximately $59,899 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Waynesville, North Carolina?
Yes, Waynesville has 3 private schools alongside 8 public schools. The top-rated private school is Academy at Soar, Soar Inc. with a score of 7.4/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Waynesville, North Carolina?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Waynesville is 11.7:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Waynesville, North Carolina?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, North Carolina Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.