For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 517 students in Avery County, NC.
The top ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC are Cranberry Middle School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Avery County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
Blue Ridge High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
76 Old Montezuma Rd
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5800
Gr: 6-12 | 15 students Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
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 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
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 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9-12 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Gr: K-5
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Gr: 1-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Avery County, NC include Cranberry Middle School, Blue Ridge High School and Marjorie Williams Academy.
How many public middle schools are located in Avery County?
4 public middle schools are located in Avery County.
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public middle schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. Public Schools (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.