Photo: GreatSmokies · CC BY-SA 4.0Bryson City’s public schools score below 53% of North Carolina districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Bryson City, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bryson City’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 256 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Bryson City’s, its schools beat 61%, higher than their 47% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 46% of tested students were proficient in reading and 47% in math, against 50% and 51% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina (the state reports Bryson City’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,840 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Mountain Discovery and Grace Christian Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bryson City’s grade
B−: better than 47% of North Carolina school districts. Graduation is above the North Carolina average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bryson City, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
1st grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
2nd grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
3rd grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
4th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
5th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
6th grade in Bryson City · depends on your address
Swain County Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 453 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
7th grade in Bryson City · depends on your address
Swain County Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 453 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
8th grade in Bryson City · depends on your address
Swain County Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 453 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
9th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
10th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
11th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
12th grade in Bryson City
Cherokee Extension School
Grades K–12 · 110 students
Bryson City’s public schools are run by Swain County Schools. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Bryson City vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Bryson City’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Bryson City | B− | Swain County Schools |
Every school in Bryson City
4 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Bryson City’s schools
Are Bryson City’s schools good?
On North Carolina’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Bryson City children attend score below 53% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 61%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bryson City in?
Swain County Schools, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 1,872 students in 6 schools (2024–25).
What is Bryson City’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Swain County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Bryson City spend per student?
$14,840 in Swain County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Bryson City?
Yes: Grace Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–2, 20 students). Bryson City also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Bryson City families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bryson City → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.