Excellent
#141 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 5% in state
Catamount School
Middle School · Catamount School
100 Smoky Mountain Dr, Sylva, NC 28779
Enrollment
59
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
8.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
59
Student-Teacher
11.8:1
Score
8.7
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#141 of 2,648
In Sylva
#1 of 6
public schools
Academic growth
9.9 / 10
Excellent
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Catamount School
Middle School in Sylva · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Smoky Mountain High School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Fairview School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Catamount School
Catamount School is a public middle school in Sylva, NC, part of Catamount School. Catamount School serves approximately 59 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 11.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Catamount School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 out of 10 and ranks #141 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Catamount School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).
- This school 8.7 · Excellent
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
At 59 students, Catamount School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
46% of students at Catamount School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Catamount School — Students at Catamount School score 60% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 59%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
57.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 20 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 9.9/10.
How Catamount School Compares
See how Catamount School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
100 Smoky Mountain Dr, Sylva, NC 28779
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Catamount School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Cherokee Central Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Cherokee), with a comparable rating. Another option is Jackson Co Early College (rated 7.9/10, 0.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. Additionally, ACADEMY AT SOAR, SOAR INC. (rated 7.4/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Waynesville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Sylva, see our Sylva schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Smoky Mountain High School Sylva | 0.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Fairview School Sylva | 0.2 mi | 5.8 |
| Jackson Co Early College Sylva | 0.6 mi | 7.9 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sylva | 1.9 mi | 4.5 |
| Scotts Creek School Sylva | 4.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Jackson Community School Sylva | 4.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Cullowhee Valley School Cullowhee | 4.3 mi | 5.1 |
| VICTORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sylva | 8.1 mi | 6.2 |
| Smokey Mountain Elementary Whittier | 8.8 mi | 3.5 |
| NEW KITUWAH ACADEMY Cherokee | 12.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Cherokee Central Elementary School Cherokee | 12.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Cherokee Central High School Cherokee | 12.3 mi | — |
| ST JOSEPH ACADEMY Maggie Valley | 12.9 mi | — |
| Swain County East Elementary Bryson City | 12.7 mi | 5.7 |
| Hazelwood Elementary Waynesville | 13.4 mi | 6.2 |
| MACON MULTI-PURPOSE JUVENILE HOME Franklin | 14.6 mi | — |
| ACADEMY AT SOAR, SOAR INC. Waynesville | 14.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Blue Ridge Early College Cashiers | 16.2 mi | 6.4 |
| Blue Ridge School Cashiers | 16.2 mi | 6.3 |
| East Franklin Elementary Franklin | 15.0 mi | 6.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28779 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,407
Median Home Value
$234,200
Median Rent
$803/mo
Population
17,845
College Educated
28.2%
Homeownership
66.6%
Avg Commute
21.4 min
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Median Age
42.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Davie County Virtual School Mocksville, NC | 9.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Catamount School
What grades does Catamount School serve?
Catamount School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Catamount School?
Catamount School has an enrollment of approximately 59 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Catamount School?
The student-teacher ratio at Catamount School is 11.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Catamount School rank in NC?
Catamount School ranks #141 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Catamount School's MySchoolScout rating?
Catamount School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Catamount School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Catamount School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2017-2025).
Is Catamount School a charter school?
No, Catamount School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Catamount School a Title I school?
No, Catamount School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Catamount School?
57.6% of students at Catamount School 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 59
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 5
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 57.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Jackson County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 45.8%
- Phone
- (828) 331-1775
Resources & Links
District
Catamount School- District Enrollment
- 59
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,729
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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