Serving 536 students in grades 9-12, Swain County 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 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 536 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Swain County High School's attendance zone covers the entire district of Bryson City, NC, encompassing an area of approximately 502 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge located about 25.3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Swain County High School's student population of 536 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
536 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Year Founded
1950
School Rankings
Swain County 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 Swain County High School is 0.51, 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
#1012 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)45-49%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
American Indian
18%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 28-year historical data
Hispanic
7%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 34-year historical data
White
67%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Graduation Rate
85-89%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 13-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
6%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. View full 25-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Maroon Devils
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Swain County High School's ranking?
Swain County High School is ranked #1012 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Swain County High School?
The graduation rate of Swain County High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Swain County High School?
536 students attend Swain County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Swain County High School students are White, 18% of students are American Indian, 7% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Swain County High School?
Swain County High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Swain County High School offer ?
Swain County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Swain County High School part of?
Swain County High School is part of Swain County Schools.
School Reviews
Review Swain County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
