For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,552 students in Waynesville, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Waynesville, 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.
Waynesville, NC public high schools 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 Waynesville have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Waynesville, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 82%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Tuscola High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Waynesville, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Tuscola High School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
564 Tuscola School Rd
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2408
Gr: 9-12 | 873 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
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
Gr: K-12 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Central Haywood High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 627-9944
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Waynesville, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Waynesville, NC include Tuscola High School, Shining Rock Classical Academy and Central Haywood High School.
How many public high schools are located in Waynesville?
3 public high schools are located in Waynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public high schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Waynesville are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Waynesville include: Central Haywood High School vs. Tuscola High School
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