For the 2026 school year, there are 11 public schools serving 4,368 students in Macon County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 79 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Macon County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Macon County, NC are Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Macon County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Macon County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 27% 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 Macon County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Franklin High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 Panther Drive
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6467
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-6467
Gr: 9-12 | 996 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
Highlands School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
545 Pierson Dr
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2147
Gr: K-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Macon Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
77 Siler Farm Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2002
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2002
Gr: 9-13 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 70:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #44.
Cartoogechaye Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3295 Old Murphy Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2845
Gr: PK-4 | 354 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #55.
South Macon Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
855 Addington Bridge Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-0796
Gr: PK-4 | 465 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #66.
East Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
100 Watauga St
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3216
Gr: K-4 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #77.
Mountain View Intermediate
(Math: 49% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
161 Clarks Chapel Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1325
Gr: 5-6 | 614 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #88.
Macon Middle School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1345 Wells Grove Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3766
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3766
Gr: 7-8 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #99.
Iotla Valley Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1166 Iotla Church Road
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-2938
Gr: PK-4 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #1010.
Macon Virtual Academy
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1202 Old Murphy Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3314
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-3314
Gr: K-12 | 44 students Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #1111.
Bartram Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
158 Union School Rd
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-1277
Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-1277
Gr: 9-12 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Macon County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Macon County, NC include Franklin High School, Highlands School and Macon Early College High School.
How many public schools are located in Macon County?
11 public schools are located in Macon County.
What percentage of students in Macon County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Macon County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Macon County?
Macon County public schools minority enrollment is 27% 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 Macon County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Macon County include: Franklin High School vs. Highlands School, Franklin High School vs. Macon Early College High School, Highlands School vs. Franklin High School
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