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Excellent

#233 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 9% in state

Nesbitt Discovery Academy

High School · Buncombe County Schools

175 Bingham Rd Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28806

Enrollment

379

Student-Teacher

21.1:1

Score

8.4

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#233 of 2,648

In Asheville

#3 of 34

public schools

In district

#6 of 45

Buncombe County Schools

Academic performance

9.8 / 10

Excellent

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Nesbitt Discovery Academy

8.4/10

High School in Asheville · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Emma Elementary

4.9/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Hawthorn Montessori School

Nearby

1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Nesbitt Discovery Academy

Nesbitt Discovery Academy is a public high school in Asheville, NC, part of Buncombe County Schools. Nesbitt Discovery Academy serves approximately 379 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Nesbitt Discovery Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranks #233 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Nesbitt Discovery Academy show 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2025) and 97% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2025).

How it compares1.1 pts above district
  • This school 8.4 · Excellent
  • District avg 7.3
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Nesbitt Discovery Academy runs 21.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data8
Annual Change+1.41 pts/yr
Data Period2015–2025
TrendImproving
Academics9.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency96.2% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency95.7% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+40.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+42.1 pts
Overall Proficiency96% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)71% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+24.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College Readiness8.7Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation33.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.9Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,585
Chronic Absenteeism8.2%

Nesbitt Discovery Academy — Students at Nesbitt Discovery Academy score 96% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 71%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

17.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 83.5% (multi-year average, 2015-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 96.6% (multi-year average, 2015-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 16 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2015
Math
87%
ELA
92%
2016
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2017
Math
2.5%
ELA
97.5%
2018
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2019
Math
97.5%
ELA
97.5%
2020*
Math
95%
ELA
97.5%
2021*
Math
95%
ELA
97.5%
2025
Math
96.2%
ELA
95.7%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How Nesbitt Discovery Academy Compares

See how Nesbitt Discovery Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.4/10
91th percentile in NC
Academic
9.8/10
Excellent
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
4.9/10
Below Average
AP Courses
3
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
18%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
18 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
8.2%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
33.8% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

175 Bingham Rd Ste 10, Asheville, NC 28806

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Nesbitt Discovery Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL (rated 8.4/10, 2.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Montford North Star Academy (rated 8.3/10, 1.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, ASHEVILLE WALDORF SCHOOL (rated 8.1/10, 1.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Asheville, see our Asheville schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Emma Elementary Asheville 0.8 mi 4.9
HAWTHORN MONTESSORI SCHOOL Asheville 1.0 mi
THE GOODALE SCHOOL Asheville 0.9 mi
ODYSSEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL Asheville 0.9 mi 7.5
TEMPLE BAPTIST SCHOOL Asheville 1.4 mi 4.5
Isaac Dickson Elementary Asheville 1.3 mi 7.3
Montford North Star Academy Asheville 1.4 mi 8.3
FRENCH BROAD RIVER ACADEMY-GIRLS CAMPUS Asheville 1.6 mi 6.2
Woodfin Elementary Asheville 1.8 mi 3.4
HANGER HALL SCHOOL Asheville 1.5 mi 4.4
Asheville PEAK Academy Asheville 1.9 mi 6.8
ASHEVILLE WALDORF SCHOOL Asheville 1.9 mi 8.1
EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Asheville 1.8 mi 6.9
RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL Asheville 2.0 mi 8.4
Claxton Elementary Asheville 1.7 mi 7.5
Asheville Middle Asheville 1.9 mi 6.2
CANTERBURY CLASSICAL SCHOOL Asheville 2.1 mi 5.4
JULIA STREET MONTESSORI SCHOOL Asheville 1.8 mi
FRENCH BROAD RIVER ACADEMY-BOYS Asheville 2.2 mi 6.1
Hall Fletcher Elementary Asheville 2.3 mi 7.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28806 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$59,925

Median Home Value

$335,800

Median Rent

$1,224/mo

Population

45,644

College Educated

44.5%

Homeownership

57.2%

Avg Commute

20.7 min

Poverty Rate

14%

Median Age

38.2

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Cumberland International Early College Fayetteville, NC 8.4
Gaston Early College High School Dallas, NC 8.4
Sampson Early College High Clinton, NC 8.4
Jones Senior High School Trenton, NC 8.5
PCS Early College High School Greenville, NC 8.3
PSRC Early College at RCC Lumberton, NC 8.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nesbitt Discovery Academy

What grades does Nesbitt Discovery Academy serve?

Nesbitt Discovery Academy serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Nesbitt Discovery Academy?

Nesbitt Discovery Academy has an enrollment of approximately 379 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Nesbitt Discovery Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Nesbitt Discovery Academy is 21.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Nesbitt Discovery Academy rank in NC?

Nesbitt Discovery Academy ranks #233 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Nesbitt Discovery Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Nesbitt Discovery Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 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 Nesbitt Discovery Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Nesbitt Discovery Academy has 84% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2025) and 97% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2015-2025).

Is Nesbitt Discovery Academy a charter school?

No, Nesbitt Discovery Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Nesbitt Discovery Academy a Title I school?

No, Nesbitt Discovery Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Nesbitt Discovery Academy?

17.9% of students at Nesbitt Discovery Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
18 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
13 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
379
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
18
Free/Reduced Lunch
17.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Buncombe County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
8.2%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

Buncombe County Schools
District Enrollment
22,172
Schools in District
45
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,585
District Rank
#6 of 45

How we rate schools

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