Average
#1403 of 2,648 schools in NC
Shining Rock Classical Academy
School · Shining Rock Classical Academy
2150 Russ Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786
Enrollment
630
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 11th
Enrollment
630
Student-Teacher
12.1:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 11th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Waynesville
#6 of 8
public schools
North Carolina schools
#39 of 120
School environment
7.5 / 10
Very strong
About Shining Rock Classical Academy
Shining Rock Classical Academy is a charter school located in Waynesville, North Carolina, serving students from kindergarten through 11th grade. With an enrollment of 630 students and a student-teacher ratio of 12.1:1, the school offers personalized attention to each learner. Shining Rock Classical Academy places a strong emphasis on classical education, providing a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge and inspire its students.
According to MySchoolScout ratings, the school has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 10, with an academic score of 4.8 out of 10. State rankings place Shining Rock Classical Academy at #1961 out of 2661 schools in North Carolina, indicating there is room for growth and improvement in its academic performance. The school’s ELA/reading proficiency rate stands at 51%, with 48% achieving proficiency or above in math.
Shining Rock Classical Academy is situated in a small town setting that offers a close-knit community atmosphere. This environment fosters strong relationships between students, teachers, and families, creating a supportive educational experience for all who attend.
What Parents Should Know
Shining Rock Classical Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
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Shining Rock Classical Academy — Students at Shining Rock Classical Academy score 50% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 74%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 18 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: 5.1/10.
How Shining Rock Classical Academy Compares
See how Shining Rock Classical Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 38% (2019) to 37.5% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 50% (2019) to 62.5% (2025).
Location
2150 Russ Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Shining Rock Classical Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Bethel Middle (rated 8.6/10, 6.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Canton Elementary (rated 8.6/10, 8.7 miles away, in nearby Canton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Junaluska Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Waynesville, see our Waynesville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BLUE RIDGE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Waynesville | 0.2 mi | — |
| HAYWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Waynesville | 0.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Junaluska Elementary Waynesville | 1.6 mi | 8.3 |
| Tuscola High Waynesville | 2.0 mi | 6.0 |
| Central Haywood High Waynesville | 2.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Waynesville Middle Waynesville | 2.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Jonathan Valley Elementary Waynesville | 2.6 mi | 7.0 |
| ACADEMY AT SOAR, SOAR INC. Waynesville | 3.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Hazelwood Elementary Waynesville | 3.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Haywood Early College Clyde | 3.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Riverbend Elementary Clyde | 4.9 mi | 7.7 |
| Clyde Elementary Clyde | 5.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Bethel Middle Waynesville | 6.2 mi | 8.6 |
| Bethel Elementary Canton | 6.1 mi | 7.7 |
| ST JOSEPH ACADEMY Maggie Valley | 6.2 mi | — |
| Canton Middle Canton | 8.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Pisgah High Canton | 8.1 mi | 6.7 |
| North Canton Elementary Canton | 8.7 mi | 8.6 |
| Meadowbrook Elementary Canton | 9.0 mi | 5.5 |
| Jackson Community School Sylva | 12.9 mi | 5.3 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28786 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,047
Median Home Value
$266,800
Median Rent
$1,084/mo
Population
22,153
College Educated
31.8%
Homeownership
70%
Avg Commute
22.6 min
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Median Age
49.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Shining Rock Classical Academy has a median household income of $56,047. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $266,800, with a median rent of $1,084/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.8%. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| LIBERTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Richlands, NC | 6.3 |
| Union Day School Weddington, NC | 6.3 |
| VILLAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Fayetteville, NC | 6.2 |
| CAPE FEAR ACADEMY Wilmington, NC | 6.1 |
| COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Wilson, NC | 6.1 |
| Carolina International School Concord, NC | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shining Rock Classical Academy
What grades does Shining Rock Classical Academy serve?
Shining Rock Classical Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 11th.
How many students attend Shining Rock Classical Academy?
Shining Rock Classical Academy has an enrollment of approximately 630 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Shining Rock Classical Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Shining Rock Classical Academy is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Shining Rock Classical Academy rank in NC?
Shining Rock Classical Academy is ranked #1403 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Shining Rock Classical Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Shining Rock Classical Academy has a composite rating of 6.3 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 Shining Rock Classical Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Shining Rock Classical Academy has 47.1% math proficiency and 52.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Shining Rock Classical Academy a charter school?
Yes, Shining Rock Classical Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Shining Rock Classical Academy a Title I school?
No, Shining Rock Classical Academy is not currently a Title I school.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,339/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Waynesville). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 11th
- Enrollment
- 630
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Haywood County
- Phone
- (828) 476-5150
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Shining Rock Classical Academy- District Enrollment
- 630
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $9,235
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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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