For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 1,692 students in Mitchell County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 75 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Mitchell County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC are Mayland Early College, Mitchell High School and Harris Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mitchell County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Mitchell County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% 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 Mitchell County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mayland Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
264 Mayland Dr
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2590
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2590
Gr: 9-13 | 102 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #22.
Mitchell High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
416 Ledger School Rd
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3400
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3400
Gr: 9-12 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Harris Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
121 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-3340
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-3340
Gr: 6-8 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #44.
Gouge Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
134 Laurel Street
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-2260
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-2260
Gr: K-4 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #55.
Deyton Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
308 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2070
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-2070
Gr: 3-5 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Bowman Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
410 S Mitchell Avenue
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3370
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 766-3370
Gr: 5-8 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
Rank: n/an/a
2206 Carters Ridge Road
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-9562
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 766-9562
Gr: PK-2 | 237 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Mitchell County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
12190 North Hwy 226
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 688-2324
Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 688-2324
Gr: K-5 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
121 Harris Street
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-2321
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
(828) 765-2321
Gr: 6-8 | 321 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Mitchell County, NC include Mayland Early College, Mitchell High School and Harris Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Mitchell County?
9 public schools are located in Mitchell County.
What percentage of students in Mitchell County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Mitchell County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mitchell County?
Mitchell County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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