Mountain Heritage High School is a public high school in Burnsville, North Carolina, United States. It is the sole public high school serving Yancey County Schools district. Both YCS public middle schools, East Yancey and Cane River, feed into Mountain Heritage.
Serving 633 students in grades 9-12, Mountain Heritage High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 633 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mountain Heritage High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Mountain Heritage High School's student population of 633 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
633 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Colors
White, Black, Green
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Mascot
Wild Boars
School Rankings
Mountain Heritage High School ranks within the top 10% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mountain Heritage High School is 0.32, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#230 out of 2617 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)80-84%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
17%
21%
Black
n/a
25%
White
81%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mountain Heritage High School's ranking?
Mountain Heritage High School is ranked #230 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Mountain Heritage High School often compared to?
Mountain Heritage High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mitchell High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mountain Heritage High School?
The graduation rate of Mountain Heritage High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Mountain Heritage High School?
633 students attend Mountain Heritage High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
81% of Mountain Heritage High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mountain Heritage High School?
Mountain Heritage High School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mountain Heritage High School offer ?
Mountain Heritage High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mountain Heritage High School part of?
Mountain Heritage High School is part of Yancey County Schools School District.
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