For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 1,525 students in Bryson City, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Bryson City, NC are Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bryson City, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Bryson City have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Bryson City, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mountain Discovery
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
890 Jenkins Branch Rd N
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-1222
Gr: K-8 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Swain County West Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4142 Hwy 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-2119
Gr: K-6 | 403 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Swain County Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3480
Gr: 6-8 | 453 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #44.
Swain County East Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4747 Ela Rd
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0939
Gr: K-5 | 338 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: n/an/a
50 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-3129
Gr: K-12 | 110 students Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Bryson City, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Bryson City, NC include Mountain Discovery, Swain County West Elementary School and Swain County Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Bryson City?
5 public elementary schools are located in Bryson City.
What is the racial composition of students in Bryson City?
Bryson City public elementary schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Bryson City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Bryson City include: Swain County West Elementary School vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Mountain Discovery vs. Swain County East Elementary School, Swain County East Elementary School vs. Swain County West Elementary School
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.