For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,787 students in Waynesville, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 264 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Waynesville, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC are Tuscola High School, Bethel Middle School and Junaluska Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waynesville, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Waynesville have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Waynesville, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Gr: 9-12 | 873 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Bethel Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
630 Sonoma Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Gr: 6-8 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Junaluska Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2238 Asheville Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Gr: K-5 | 428 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
410 Hall Drive
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #66.
Waynesville Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
495 Brown Ave
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Gr: 6-8 | 727 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #77.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Gr: K-12 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #88.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Waynesville, NC include Tuscola High School, Bethel Middle School and Junaluska Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Waynesville?
8 public schools are located in Waynesville.
What percentage of students in Waynesville go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Waynesville are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Waynesville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Waynesville include: Hazelwood Elementary School vs. Shining Rock Classical Academy, Bethel Middle School vs. Waynesville Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School vs. Shining Rock Classical Academy
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