For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,156 students in Polk County, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 33 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Polk County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NC are Saluda Elementary School, Polk County High School and Tryon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Polk County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Polk County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% 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 Polk County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Saluda Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
214 E Main Street
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Saluda, NC 28773
(828) 894-1040
Grades: PK-5
| 145 students
Rank: #22.
Polk County High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1681 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2525
Grades: 9-12
| 593 students
Rank: #33.
Tryon Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
100 School Place
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6584
Grades: PK-5
| 386 students
Rank: #44.
Polk Central Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2141 South Nc9 Hwy
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-8233
Grades: PK-5
| 382 students
Rank: #55.
Polk County Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
321 Wolverine Trail
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-2215
Grades: 6-8
| 471 students
Rank: #66.
Polk County Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1545 East Nc 108 Hwy
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Columbus, NC 28722
(828) 894-2698
Grades: 9-12
| 55 students
Rank: #77.
Sunny View Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
86 Sunny View School Road
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Mill Spring, NC 28756
(828) 894-1050
Grades: PK-5
| 124 students
Polk County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
373 Harmon Field Rd
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6636
Grades: 6-8
| 236 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Polk County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Polk County, NC include Saluda Elementary School, Polk County High School and Tryon Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Polk County?
7 public schools are located in Polk County.
What percentage of students in Polk County go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Polk County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Polk County?
Polk County public schools minority enrollment is 24% 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 Polk County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Polk County include: Sunny View Elementary School vs. Polk Central Elementary School, Polk Central Elementary School vs. Sunny View Elementary School, Polk Central Elementary School vs. Tryon Elementary School
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