For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,981 students in Avery County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 3 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Avery County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Avery County, NC are Banner Elk Elementary School, Avery County High School and Crossnore Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% 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 Avery County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Banner Elk Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
155 Orchard Lane
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Avery County High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9-12 | 542 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Crossnore Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Walt Clark Road
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Gr: PK-5 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Freedom Trail Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6110 North Us Hwy 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Gr: PK-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
Cranberry Middle School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6230 North Us Highway 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Gr: 6-8 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #66.
Marjorie Williams Academy
Charter School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
129 Allen Circle
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 733-5241
Gr: K-12 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #77.
Newland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
750 Linville Street
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Gr: PK-5 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #88.
Avery Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
102 Old Montezuma Road
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0145
Gr: 6-8 | 181 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #99.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8020 Us 19e Hwy South
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Gr: PK-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Avery County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Avery County, NC include Banner Elk Elementary School, Avery County High School and Crossnore Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Avery County?
10 public schools are located in Avery County.
What percentage of students in Avery County go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Avery County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.