For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public elementary schools serving 2,503 students in 28786, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC are Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28786 have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28786, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28786, NC Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bethel Middle School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
630 Sonoma Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 646-3442
Grades: 6-8
| 249 students
Rank: #22.
Junaluska Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2238 Asheville Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2407
Grades: K-5
| 421 students
Rank: #33.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Grades: PK-5
| 495 students
Rank: #44.
Waynesville Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
495 Brown Ave
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2403
Grades: 6-8
| 708 students
Rank: #55.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Grades: K-11
| 630 students
28786, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Grades: PK-5
| 248 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 28786, NC include Bethel Middle School, Junaluska Elementary School and Hazelwood Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28786?
5 public elementary schools are located in 28786.
What is the racial composition of students in 28786?
28786 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.
What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.
“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.