Below Average
#2335 of 2,648 schools in NC
Avery County High
High School · Avery County Schools
401 Avery County High School R, Newland, NC 28657
Enrollment
594
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
4.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
594
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
4.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Newland
#3 of 4
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#422 of 579
In district
#7 of 8
Avery County Schools
School environment
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About Avery County High
Avery County High in Newland, North Carolina is a regular public high school serving students from grade 9 through 12. With an enrollment of 594 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.1:1, the school benefits from personalized attention with 37 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. Located in a rural setting, Avery County High offers a close-knit community atmosphere.
The academic performance at Avery County High reflects areas where growth is needed, with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and state ranking of #1509 out of 2661 schools across North Carolina. In terms of proficiency rates in ELA/Reading and Math, the school shows that around half of its students are proficient or above in these subjects. These scores indicate room for improvement but also highlight the potential for academic development.
With a focus on nurturing its rural community, Avery County High provides a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Avery County High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Avery County High — Students at Avery County High score 29% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.5/10.
How Avery County High Compares
See how Avery County High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 7.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 49.6% (2025).
Location
401 Avery County High School R, Newland, NC 28657
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Avery County High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mayland Early College (rated 5.9/10, 10.7 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Another option is Mitchell High (rated 5.2/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Bakersville), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Cloudland High School (rated 4.4/10, 11.8 miles away, in nearby Roan Mountain), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Newland, see our Newland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Avery Middle Newland | 0.2 mi | 4.1 |
| Newland Elementary Newland | 1.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Crossnore Elementary Crossnore | 2.9 mi | 8.5 |
| Marjorie Williams Academy Crossnore | 3.0 mi | 7.7 |
| RAINBOW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Elk Park | 5.4 mi | — |
| Freedom Trail Elementary Elk Park | 5.9 mi | 8.7 |
| Cranberry Middle Elk Park | 6.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Banner Elk Elementary Banner Elk | 6.6 mi | 9.8 |
| Riverside Elementary Newland | 7.7 mi | 5.8 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 10.4 mi | 6.9 |
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 10.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Cloudland Elementary School Roan Mountain | 11.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Cloudland High School Roan Mountain | 11.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Valle Crucis Elementary Sugar Grove | 12.6 mi | 8.6 |
| SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 13.3 mi | 5.7 |
| TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 13.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Mitchell High Bakersville | 12.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 14.7 mi | 8.0 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 14.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 14.4 mi | 3.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28657 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,371
Median Home Value
$223,600
Median Rent
$748/mo
Population
8,098
College Educated
24.8%
Homeownership
81.7%
Avg Commute
23.5 min
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Median Age
51.4
Community Profile
The community surrounding Avery County High has a median household income of $56,371. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $223,600, with a median rent of $748/month. The local poverty rate of 8.4% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Albemarle High Albemarle, NC | 4.4 |
| Goldsboro High Goldsboro, NC | 4.4 |
| Greene Central High Snow Hill, NC | 4.4 |
| Northeastern High Elizabeth City, NC | 4.4 |
| Perquimans County High Hertford, NC | 4.4 |
| Bertie High Windsor, NC | 4.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Avery County High
What grades does Avery County High serve?
Avery County High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Avery County High?
Avery County High has an enrollment of approximately 594 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Avery County High?
The student-teacher ratio at Avery County High is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Avery County High rank in NC?
Avery County High is ranked #2335 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Avery County High's MySchoolScout rating?
Avery County High has a composite rating of 4.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Avery County High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Avery County High has 28.9% math proficiency and 56.2% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Avery County High a charter school?
No, Avery County High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Avery County High a Title I school?
No, Avery County High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Avery County High?
99.5% of students at Avery County High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Elevated (1,111/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 594
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 37
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Avery County
- Phone
- (828) 733-0151
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Avery County Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,856
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,513
- District Rank
- #7 of 8
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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