For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,262 students in Sylva, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 161 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in Sylva, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Sylva, NC are Jackson Co Early College, Fairview School and Smoky Mountain High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Sylva, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Sylva have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% 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 Sylva, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Jackson Co Early College
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥80%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
404 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4499
Gr: 9-13 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 56:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
Fairview School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Gr: PK-8 | 797 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Smoky Mountain High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Smoky Mountain Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2177
Gr: 9-12 | 881 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #44.
Scotts Creek School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 Parris Branch
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 631-2740
Gr: PK-8 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #55.
Jackson Community School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3770 Skyland Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-4328
Gr: 5-12 | 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Sylva, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
251 Big Orange Way
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 586-2819
Gr: K-8 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Sylva, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Sylva, NC include Jackson Co Early College, Fairview School and Smoky Mountain High School.
How many public schools are located in Sylva?
5 public schools are located in Sylva.
What percentage of students in Sylva go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in Sylva are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Sylva?
Sylva public schools minority enrollment is 32% 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 Sylva are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Sylva include: Jackson Co Early College vs. Smoky Mountain High School, Scotts Creek School vs. Fairview School, Jackson Community School vs. Jackson Co Early College
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