For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,462 students in Canton, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 81 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Canton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, NC are Pisgah High School, Bethel Elementary School and North Canton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Canton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Canton have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Canton, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Pisgah High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1 Black Bear Drive
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3440
Gr: 9-12 | 908 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Bethel Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4700 Old River Road
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3448
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3448
Gr: K-5 | 528 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
North Canton Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
60 Thompson St
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3444
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3444
Gr: PK-5 | 326 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Meadowbrook Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
85 Morningstar Rd
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3445
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3445
Gr: PK-5 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #55.
Canton Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
60 Penland St
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3467
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3467
Gr: 6-8 | 493 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Canton, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Canton, NC include Pisgah High School, Bethel Elementary School and North Canton Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Canton?
5 public schools are located in Canton.
What percentage of students in Canton go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Canton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Canton?
Canton public schools minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Canton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Canton include: North Canton Elementary School vs. Meadowbrook Elementary School, Meadowbrook Elementary School vs. North Canton Elementary School, Meadowbrook Elementary School vs. Bethel Elementary School
Recent Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.