Smoky Mountain High School is a public high school located in Sylva, North Carolina. The school formed as a result of the consolidation of the former Sylva-Webster High School and Cullowhee High School in 1988 at the Sylva-Webster campus, which dates to 1960.
Serving 881 students in grades 9-12, Smoky Mountain High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-59% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 881 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-59% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Smoky Mountain High serves the northern part of Sylva, NC, covering an extensive attendance zone of approximately 310.5 square miles. Families in this area can typically expect a drive of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 10.4 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, and the furthest point being 17.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Smoky Mountain High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Smoky Mountain High School's student population of 881 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has declined by 23% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
881 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1988
School Calendar
School Motto
Go Mustangs!
School Rankings
Smoky Mountain High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Smoky Mountain High School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1076 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)40-59%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
6%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
21%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
66%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
93%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.4%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
Showing 2015–2024. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Silver
School Mascot
Mustangs
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Mountain High School's ranking?
Smoky Mountain High School is ranked #1076 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Smoky Mountain High School often compared to?
Smoky Mountain High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jackson Co Early College, Blue Ridge Early College, Blue Ridge School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Smoky Mountain High School?
The graduation rate of Smoky Mountain High School is 93%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Smoky Mountain High School?
881 students attend Smoky Mountain High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Smoky Mountain High School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are American Indian, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Smoky Mountain High School?
Smoky Mountain High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Smoky Mountain High School offer ?
Smoky Mountain High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Smoky Mountain High School part of?
Smoky Mountain High School is part of Jackson County School District.
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