For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,503 students in 28786, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC are Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28786 have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28786, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28786, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 249 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #22.
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 | 421 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
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 | 495 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #44.
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 | 708 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
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-11 | 630 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
28786, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC include Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28786?
5 public elementary schools are located in 28786.
What is the racial composition of students in 28786?
28786 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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