Swain County Middle School

135 Arlington Ave
Bryson City, NC 28713
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 453 students in grades 6-8, Swain County Middle School ranks in the bottom 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 43% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 453 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Bottom 50% in NC
  • : 43% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Swain County Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Bryson City, NC, covering approximately 502 square miles. Families within this area typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located 28.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Overview

Swain County Middle School's student population of 453 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
453 students
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers

School Rankings

Swain County Middle School ranks within the bottom 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 Middle School is 0.58, 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.
This School
State Level (NC)
#1587 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(21-22)
43%
51%
45%
50%
65-69%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
19%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
7%
22%
Black
1%
24%
White
61%
42%
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
39%
0.58
(22-23)
33.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swain County Middle School's ranking?
Swain County Middle School is ranked #1587 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Swain County Middle School?
453 students attend Swain County Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Swain County Middle School students are White, 19% of students are American Indian, 11% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Swain County Middle School?
Swain County Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Swain County Middle School offer ?
Swain County Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Swain County Middle School part of?
Swain County Middle School is part of Swain County Schools.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: 6-8
  • Enrollment: 453 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 43% (Btm 50%)
  • : 45% (Btm 50%)
  • : 65-69% (Top 50%)
  • : Swain County Middle School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Bryson City, NC, covering approximately 502 square miles. Families within this area typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located 28.2 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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