For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,301 students in Clay County, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 77 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Clay County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Clay County, NC are Hayesville High School, Hayesville Elementary School and Hayesville Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 61% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Clay County 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 Clay County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hayesville High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
205 Yellow Jacket Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-6532
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-6532
Gr: 9-12 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Hayesville Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
72 Elementary School Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-8586
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-8586
Gr: 3-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #33.
Hayesville Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
135 School Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Gr: 6-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
698 Anderson St
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Gr: PK-2 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Clay County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Clay County, NC include Hayesville High School, Hayesville Elementary School and Hayesville Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
4 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County 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 Clay County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Clay County include: Hayesville Middle School vs. Hayesville High School, Hayesville Elementary School vs. Hayesville Middle School, Hayesville Middle School vs. Hayesville Elementary School
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