Asheville High School is a public high school located in Asheville, North Carolina, United States and is one of two secondary schools in the Asheville City Schools system. Designed by Douglas Ellington, construction of the original building began in 1927 and was completed two years later.
Serving 1,221 students in grades 9-12, Asheville High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,221 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Asheville High's attendance zone encompasses the entire Asheville school district, covering approximately 22.3 square miles. The typical drive to the school from within the zone takes about 10-12 minutes, with an average distance of 4 miles to the nearest edge and a maximum distance of 7.6 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Asheville High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Asheville High School's student population of 1,221 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,221 students
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Year Founded
1929
School Calendar
School Rankings
Asheville High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Asheville High School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#592 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)55-59%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
10%
22%
Black
14%
24%
White
66%
42%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
89%
86.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Cougar
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asheville High School's ranking?
Asheville High School is ranked #592 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Asheville High School often compared to?
Asheville High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Silsa, Roberson High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Asheville High School?
The graduation rate of Asheville High School is 89%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Asheville High School?
1,221 students attend Asheville High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Asheville High School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 10% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Asheville High School?
Asheville High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Asheville High School offer ?
Asheville High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Asheville High School part of?
Asheville High School is part of Asheville City Schools.
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