2020 Best High Schools in the Asheville Area

Best Schools

57 results

Asheville School
Private School
Asheville, NC
9-12
84 reviews
#1 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: It’s a school that teaches you how to speak up for your own individuality. It has taught me how to be more responsible and get help when I need it.
Read 84 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
294 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Christ School
Private School
Asheville, NC
8-12
23 reviews
#2 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Parent: Christ School is more diverse than you would expect. The Alumni and Administration are very "old school" (The school is over 100 years old.) But the students and teachers are much more broad minded and come from a variety of backgrounds. The campus is beautiful, the food is great, the dorms are average, the facilities are wonderful. The level of communication with parents set me at ease immediately. I'm glad I sent my son there.
Read 23 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
290 Students
6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Carolina Day School
Private School
Asheville, NC
PK, K-12
20 reviews
#3 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Niche User: A great community of learners where faculty and students are driven and encouraged to learn. Faculty and Administration are always looking to build community within the school as well as expanding the community beyond the classroom. They engage students in strong academics to be ready for the next phases. They are equipped with strong academic foundations and how to be compassionate, effective citizens. And, students have fun while they learn in this loving community! My children are graduates. It was the best investment we ever made!
Read 20 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
626 Students
7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-11
15 reviews
#1 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: My experience at Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy has been outstanding. Their encouragement of family involvement made the application/acceptance process very welcoming. I feel like I am part of a team of like-minded students who are study focused and highly motivated for success. I feel very fortunate to have been accepted to this S.T.E.M. school my Freshman year and have this amazing learning experience from hand selected teachers/instructors who love their jobs as well as their students. My school has provided a challenging, hands-on approach to learning that I will take with me into the future as I work to make a positive difference in this world. Thank you!
Read 15 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
296 Students
19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
T.C. Roberson High School
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
200 reviews
#2 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Parent: My children are a senior and freshman at TC Roberson High School. I also am a graduate of TC Roberson High School. We have been very pleased with the academic, athletic, artistic and overall programs offered at the high school. I cannot imagine my children being anywhere else and I think I turned out pretty well!
Read 200 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
1,619 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
School of Inquiry & Life Sciences
Asheville City Schools, NC
9-12
55 reviews
#3 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: This school has definitely been a large contributor to who I am today! As a Senior, looking back at how SILSA has shaped me and reminded me how important community is, I realize that I'll take that into the world and build some awesome professional relationships in the future. SILSA has a wonderful environment for friends (friends with teachers, classmates, administration, etc) and maintains that throughout all four years. My favorite things about SILSA include that environment, the ability to take ANY AB Tech class (within reason, we can't take the brewing classes, of course.), and the amazing, sometimes art-based core classes. I definitely think we have some space to improve in terms of certain teachers taking the "directing your own learning" promise a bit too far, but overall, it's a great place. Please send your children here.
Read 55 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
351 Students
24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Buncombe County Early College
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
29 reviews
#4 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: Early college is a unique experience because you are given freedom to explore college classes younger than most people. I love the teachers at BCEC, for they have always supported me and given me the tools I needed to succeed. Early College has also allowed me to take amazing trips due to the trips abroad they have every year. I like that they now have optional college support class (at least if you make A's & B's I believe). One thing I would change about BCEC is the pressure they put on students to choose a major when they are so young.
Read 29 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
230 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Veritas Christian Academy
Private School
Fletcher, NC
PK, K-12
29 reviews
#4 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Parent: Many of the staff members are trying their best, but Veritas is a small school that has few of the qualities we are looking for in a school. Something that also concerns us is the treatment of staff. Teachers are kind, conscientious, and experts in their fields, but we were disappointed with the high turnover of teachers and administrators. Just as we and our kids were excited about the coming year, we discovered either that teachers weren't coming back or weren't invited back. This instability has gone on for years and is significant because, as a business owner, I find this to be endemic of deeper problems.
Read 29 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
355 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Asheville High School
Asheville City Schools, NC
9-12
159 reviews
#5 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: Asheville High is an excellent high school. It's diverse, engaging, and students are presented with many opportunities no matter what their grade level is. My experience at Asheville High has definitely been a memorable one, and I would recommend any upcoming freshman to attend the school as a student. Asheville High definitely has a lot of school spirit, and even if you're not the most outgoing, its spirit is clearly recognizable and it becomes a strong part of your identity over time. Asheville High does it's absolute best to set up all its students for success. Overall the atmosphere is very enjoyable and safe. The only thing I have to complain about is that the school lunches are not the best, so I would recommend brining your own lunch if able!
Read 159 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,021 Students
11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Asheville Christian Academy
Private School
Swannanoa, NC
PK, K-12
35 reviews
#5 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Freshman: The most impressive thing about Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) is the unity of the high-school, and the development that happens academically, physically, and spiritually. They offer many sports, many different Honors, AP, and classes at local colleges. If you are considering the best Christian education you can get, ACA is the place to go.
Read 35 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
735 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Polk County High School
Polk County Schools, NC
9-12
40 reviews
#6 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: I love the involvement in sports and club/activities at our school, everyone is supportive and willing to help other grow! Not only is our school rated one of the best in NC for academics, but most students are involved in at least 1 out-of-the-classroom activity. Some things I’d like to see change are the acceptance of diversity within the students and faculty, and an improvement in the school food; I wish the administration would push for a more accepting environment that allowed people to dress/express themselves how they please. And although the food does have to meet certain nutritional requirements, the quality could be a bit better.
Read 40 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
642 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Hendersonville High School
Henderson County Schools, NC
9-12
64 reviews
#7 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: A great school academics-wise, but the building itself is shabby and rundown. This isn't necessarily the administration's fault though, the school board cannot find the resources to fix the issues, or so we've been told. The English and Social Studies departments are excellently staffed by competent and knowledgeable teachers while the Maths and Science departments are somewhat lacking, in my opinion.
Read 64 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
796 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
The Franklin School of Innovation
Public School
Asheville, NC
6-11
10 reviews
#8 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Parent: This school is beyond my expectations. My 2 boys have been in 2 other schools and this one is perfect for them with an EL Education with collaborative learning, so they are learning, not memorizing; teachers with varied backgrounds who care; college prep curriculum; focus on middle and high school; college counselor who is determined to assist all the high school students. It is truly an awesome school!
Read 10 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
409 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Mount Pisgah Academy
Private School
Candler, NC
9-12
28 reviews
#6 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Alum: When I was a student, I absolutely loved my time at Mount Pisgah Academy. The teachers took time to work with students who were struggling, the deans were always there for me when I was homesick, and the activities on campus made it so much more fun! I made life-long friends at MPA and am a proud alumnus.
Read 28 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
117 Students
12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
A.C. Reynolds High School
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
175 reviews
#9 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: I am currently a senior at AC Reynolds, and have been there for all four years of high school. Most of the teachers are very invested in student success and prepare you for your finals. The sports teams are great and usually do well every year. There are also many clubs that the school offers with a special shout out to Deca for changing my life. This club gave me direction in life and has helped prepare me for interviews and life after college. The school facilities are also very nice and clean. The band and chorus programs are among some of the best in the state. The administration is very concerned with school safety and I never feel unsafe. However, my only complaint is that there are some rules that are supposedly addressing safety but seem irrelevant. For example, we are not allowed to get together with friends before or after school in the parking lot. Overall it is a decent school.
Read 175 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
1,300 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Henderson County Early College High School
Henderson County Schools, NC
9-12
21 reviews
#10 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: I loved my time at the Early College. I chose to go to HCEC because I wanted an academic push, and I knew that a traditional high school would not provide the kind of education that I wanted. I was able to take many high level college classes, and discover a passion for STEM. Without it, I probably would not be majoring in what I am now. The staff are not only caring adults, but also friends of the students. Not only did I get to build meaningful relationships with the staff at the high school, but at the Community College as well. Many of my college professors during my time at HCEC have had just as much (if not sometimes more) influence on my life as the high school staff. I am grateful for impact that the staff and students have made on my life!
Read 21 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
170 Students
23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
McDowell Early College
McDowell County Schools, NC
9-12
28 reviews
#11 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Junior: My school is hard to explain. We have some amazing staff; our principle goes out of her way to help students with personal and academic issues and to plan school events. The way the duel enrolment works is complicated at times because we have to coordinate events and classes with McDowell Tech and with the college teachers it is win some loose some on involvement and caring. Overall the school is a great money saving opportunity.
Read 28 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
220 Students
18:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Fletcher Academy
Private School
Fletcher, NC
9-12
13 reviews
#7 Best Private High Schools in Asheville Area
Alum: I graduated from Fletcher Academy class of '17. The teachers are absolutely phenomenal and want to see the student succeed in every way possible including tutoring one on one. Class schedules were designed to prepare for time management in college between work and classes. Athletics consisted of intramurals during different seasons and Olypmics at special times. Throughout the year, different special events would happen in which families were encouraged to participate and check out the school. This along with regular parent involvement in fundraisers kept them involved. Outside of purely academic courses, artistic and musical classes were also offered. Music would be the epitome of the school as the majority was involved with music and the select chorale was a nationally recognized group.Overall, if being prepared for ACT and college, and developing lasting friendships is of value, Fletcher Academy is the place to go.
Read 13 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
192 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
West Henderson High School
Henderson County Schools, NC
9-12
103 reviews
#12 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: I love this school. I have Autism and have always had great help when I needed it. There are kids of all types from everywhere and everyone gets along pretty well. There is some bullying for the most part it gets handled. I do wish we had better support for STEM, only one astronomy and physics teacher and not a lot of support there but he is awesome. A bit over done on the sports but it is North Carolina. The school counselors and secretary are super sweet. The food is lousy like most schools because budget isn't spent to help the lunch staff out but the staff is nice, not their fault at all! The only parents involved are the ones who want to take over and over donate so that is kind of typical. But West is one of the best if your moving here for sure.
Read 103 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,079 Students
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
North Henderson High School
Henderson County Schools, NC
9-12
97 reviews
#13 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: My time at North Henderson was a good experience, the teachers were helpful and willing to assist students for whatever situation. While most students say they do not like the administration or classes, the staff was well prepared and were good. In the 4 years I was at North our test scores had had gone up the most in our county and had even made it into national levels of increase. Overall the school is good but some the of sports are lackluster besides wrestling which I am a part of.
Read 97 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,099 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Brevard High School
Transylvania County Schools, NC
9-12
65 reviews
#14 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Senior: I moved to Brevard High school in the middle of a semester, as a freshman. Needless to say, I had be riddled with rumors of upperclassmen putting kids like me into trashcans and was less than prepared to defend myself. I was surprised when it was the upperclassman taking a leadership role into showing me to my classes and offering me a spot at their lunch table. Now as a senior I take this as a wonderful example, doing my best in acting in the same superb manner. The staff is incredibly hard working and kind, giving help at any free time they can spare! Excellent custodians keep our campus clean and are eager and willing to help how they may.
Read 65 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
731 Students
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Haywood Early College High School
Haywood County Schools, NC
9-12
16 reviews
#15 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Alum: The staff at HEC is incredible. The teaching staff is a little different because there is the high school side and then there is the community college side. All the high school teachers are great and, overall, the college teachers are just as great (minus a few). Most of them are very trustworthy and are easy to make connections to that help make it through your years there so much easier.
When I first started there, HEC did not have clubs that actually did anything or had a regular meet time. However, my last year there and the year after I graduated, they started to form clubs that stuck and brought people together, as they should.
I would not change my choice of attending there over anything. It is a hard choice and you have to give up some things (sports, band, etc) but it is all worth it in the end.
Read 16 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
151 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
North Buncombe High School
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
117 reviews
#16 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Alum: North Buncombe was like any other high school experience. When students arrive at high school as freshman they are most concerned about trying to fit in and well trying your best not to look like a freshman. However, once those freshmen grow up and get into their senior year that exception of fitting in is changed. Over their sophomore and junior years, they will realize high school is not at all about fitting in. High school is a time to find out who you truly are as a person. For me, my senior year was the most life-changing, at that point I had decided what I wanted to do in college, and after college, and where I wanted to attend college. At that point, I had even started taking college classes along with my high school classes to get a head start on my dreams.
Read 117 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
1,125 Students
17:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Charles D. Owen High School
Buncombe County Schools, NC
9-12
65 reviews
#17 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Junior: Owen is an amazing high school. The teachers get to know you on a personal level, and try to help you make connections between your personal life and the subject they teach to make everything make better sense. The teachers also care so much about you and it makes you feel wanted and cared about. They also help you discover what you want to do and how to get there. All of my teachers have been there to support me in whatever I do. When I wanted to start a club, everyone was on board including administration. If I had any issues with school, simply talking to an adult at my school would mean something would be done about it. They strive to make sure every student graduates and helps students to further themselves after graduation! I'm so pleased with my high school and one day when I have kids they will also come to be a warhorse at Owen just like I did!
Read 65 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
784 Students
15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Madison Early College High School
Madison County Schools, NC
9-12
24 reviews
#18 Best Public High Schools in Asheville Area
Sophomore: I love Madison Early college! I am prepared for my AB Tech college classes that I'm taking as a sophomore. My teachers are great, the students are friendly and it is a safe working environment.
Read 24 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
195 Students
25:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
Sponsored
Rainbow Community School
Private School
Asheville, NC
PK, K-8
208 Students
9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
View Nearby Homes
- 2020 Best Charter Schools
- 2020 Best Magnet Schools
- 2020 Best Online High Schools
Review Your School

1 of 3

Asheville School

Christ School

Carolina Day School

Martin L. Nesbitt, Jr. Discovery Academy

T.C. Roberson High School

School of Inquiry & Life Sciences

Buncombe County Early College

Veritas Christian Academy

Asheville High School

Asheville Christian Academy

Polk County High School

Hendersonville High School

The Franklin School of Innovation

Mount Pisgah Academy

A.C. Reynolds High School

Henderson County Early College High School

McDowell Early College

Fletcher Academy

West Henderson High School

North Henderson High School

Brevard High School

Haywood Early College High School

North Buncombe High School

Charles D. Owen High School

Madison Early College High School

Rainbow Community School