For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,103 students in Madison County, NC (there are 4 private schools, serving 53 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Madison County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Madison County, NC are Hot Springs Elementary School, Madison Early College High School and Brush Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Madison County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Madison County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 12% 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 Madison County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hot Springs Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
63 Serpentine Ave
Hot Springs, NC 28743
(828) 622-3292
Hot Springs, NC 28743
(828) 622-3292
Gr: K-5 | 128 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Madison Early College High School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-74% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
5734 Us 25/70 Hwy
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-0319
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-0319
Gr: 9-13 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Brush Creek Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
265 Upper Brush Creek Road
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-1547
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-1547
Gr: K-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #44.
Madison Middle School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
95 Upper Brush Creek Rd
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2269
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2269
Gr: 6-8 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #55.
Mars Hill Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
200 School House Lane
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 689-2922
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 689-2922
Gr: K-5 | 445 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #66.
Madison High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5740 Us Hwy 25-70
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2876
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2876
Gr: 9-12 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: n/an/a
Madison Velocity Learning Center
Alternative School
5740 Us Hwy 25/70
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2876
Marshall, NC 28753
(828) 649-2876
Gr: 9-12 | 19 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Madison County, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Madison County, NC include Hot Springs Elementary School, Madison Early College High School and Brush Creek Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Madison County?
7 public schools are located in Madison County.
What percentage of students in Madison County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Madison County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Madison County?
Madison County public schools minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Madison County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Madison County include: Madison Early College High School vs. Madison High School, Madison High School vs. Madison Early College High School, Brush Creek Elementary School vs. Hot Springs Elementary School
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