Below Average
#2252 of 2,648 schools in NC
Mountain Discovery
Elementary School · Mountain Discovery Charter School
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N, Bryson City, NC 28713
Enrollment
193
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
4.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
193
Student-Teacher
17.5:1
Score
4.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,252 of 2,648
In Bryson City
#5 of 5
public schools
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Mountain Discovery
Elementary School in Bryson City · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Grace Christian Academy
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Swain County Middle School
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Mountain Discovery
Mountain Discovery is a public elementary school in Bryson City, NC, part of Mountain Discovery Charter School. Mountain Discovery serves approximately 193 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Mountain Discovery has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and ranks #2,252 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Mountain Discovery show 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.3 · Below Average
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
At 193 students, Mountain Discovery 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.
Mountain Discovery is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
Mountain Discovery sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Mountain Discovery — Students at Mountain Discovery score 55% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 77%).
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 42 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: 3.4/10.
How Mountain Discovery Compares
See how Mountain Discovery performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N, Bryson City, NC 28713
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Mountain Discovery may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Cherokee Central Elementary School (rated 8.1/10, 11.1 miles away, in nearby Cherokee), which scores notably higher. Another option is Iotla Valley Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 13.1 miles away, in nearby Franklin), which scores notably higher. Additionally, TRIMONT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 7.0/10, 17.1 miles away, in nearby Franklin), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bryson City, see our Bryson City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 14.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| GRACE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Bryson City | 0.5 mi | — |
| Swain County Middle School Bryson City | 0.6 mi | 5.5 |
| Cherokee Extension School Bryson City | 0.9 mi | — |
| Swain County High School Bryson City | 2.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Swain County West Elementary Bryson City | 2.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Swain County East Elementary Bryson City | 4.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Smokey Mountain Elementary Whittier | 7.3 mi | 3.5 |
| NEW KITUWAH ACADEMY Cherokee | 10.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Cherokee Central Elementary School Cherokee | 11.1 mi | 8.1 |
| Cherokee Central High School Cherokee | 11.1 mi | — |
| Iotla Valley Elementary Franklin | 13.1 mi | 7.0 |
| VICTORY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Sylva | 13.5 mi | 6.2 |
| MACON MULTI-PURPOSE JUVENILE HOME Franklin | 15.8 mi | — |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Sylva | 13.7 mi | 4.5 |
| East Franklin Elementary Franklin | 16.2 mi | 6.3 |
| Nantahala School Topton | 15.1 mi | 7.5 |
| Franklin High Franklin | 16.9 mi | 6.4 |
| Cartoogechaye Elementary Franklin | 17.1 mi | 6.8 |
| TRIMONT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Franklin | 17.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Jackson Co Early College Sylva | 14.6 mi | 7.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28713 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,368
Median Home Value
$231,300
Median Rent
$707/mo
Population
8,441
College Educated
25.1%
Homeownership
74.2%
Avg Commute
23.6 min
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Median Age
46.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Ahoskie Elementary Ahoskie, NC | 4.3 |
| Carver Elementary Henderson, NC | 4.3 |
| Farmer Elementary School Asheboro, NC | 4.3 |
| E O Young Jr Elementary Henderson, NC | 4.2 |
| Southside Ashpole Elementary Rowland, NC | 4.2 |
| Stoney Creek Elementary Reidsville, NC | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mountain Discovery
What grades does Mountain Discovery serve?
Mountain Discovery serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Mountain Discovery?
Mountain Discovery has an enrollment of approximately 193 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Mountain Discovery?
The student-teacher ratio at Mountain Discovery is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Mountain Discovery rank in NC?
Mountain Discovery ranks #2,252 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Mountain Discovery's MySchoolScout rating?
Mountain Discovery has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 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 Mountain Discovery?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Mountain Discovery has 56% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 65% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Mountain Discovery a charter school?
Yes, Mountain Discovery is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Mountain Discovery a Title I school?
No, Mountain Discovery is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 193
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 11
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Swain County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 24.9%
- Phone
- (828) 488-1222
Resources & Links
District
Mountain Discovery Charter School- District Enrollment
- 193
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,477
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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