Top 3 Best 28786 North Carolina Public High Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,606 students in 28786, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in 28786, NC are Tuscola High School, Shining Rock Classical Academy and Central Haywood High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public high schools in zipcode 28786 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in 28786, NC have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Public high school in zipcode 28786 have a Graduation Rate of 79%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Tuscola High School, with 89% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 28786, NC Public High Schools (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Grades: 9-12
| 908 students
Rank: #22.
Shining Rock Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2150 Russ Avenue
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 476-5150
Grades: K-11
| 630 students
Rank: #33.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Grades: 9-12
| 68 students
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 28786 North Carolina

28786, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Grades
Students
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Grades: PK-5
| 248 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public high schools in 28786, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in 28786, NC include Tuscola High School, Shining Rock Classical Academy and Central Haywood High School.
How many public high schools are located in 28786?
3 public high schools are located in 28786.
What is the racial composition of students in 28786?
28786 public high schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.

Quick Links