For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,301 students in Clay County, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 22 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Clay County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NC are Hayesville High School, Hayesville Elementary School and Hayesville Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Clay County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% 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 Clay County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hayesville High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
205 Yellow Jacket Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-6532
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-6532
Gr: 9-12 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Hayesville Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
72 Elementary School Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-8586
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-8586
Gr: 3-5 | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Hayesville Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
135 School Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Gr: 6-8 | 301 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
698 Anderson St
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Gr: PK-2 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, NC include Hayesville High School, Hayesville Elementary School and Hayesville Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
4 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County public schools minority enrollment is 15% 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 Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Hayesville Middle School vs. Hayesville High School, Hayesville Middle School vs. Hayesville Elementary School, Hayesville Elementary School vs. Hayesville Middle School
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