2024 Best Schools in Buncombe County

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  72 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Christ School in 2021. Christ School was an excellent place for me to grow as a student, athlete, and person. The academics are challenging, but the faculty will do whatever it takes in order to help you succeed. The athletics department is superb, and there is are a wide variety of sports/activities available. There is also something always happening on campus for students to join in, whether it be dorm wars or a residential life event. There are also a variety of off campus trips/activities that are most often provided at no extra cost. Attending was an amazing experience for me, and I would highly recommend giving Christ School a look!... Read 72 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 300

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  106 reviews

Junior: Asheville School has been a wonderful experience for my growth. It challenges me academically but I am able to pick my course load difficulty, and there is no pressure to perform highly. The teachers are extremely helpful for the most part, especially in the science department. We have a very strong humanities department, an average math department, an excellent science department, and an average language department. The athletics are anything a private school could ask for, small but mighty. We are exceptional in swimming, and pretty solid in football and basketball, all other sports are average. School spirit is above average, certainly better than our cross town rivals, CDS, ACA, and especially Christ School. Of the 5 boarding schools I toured, Asheville School had the best dorms. Single rooms after freshman year, and if you live in Lawrence, large rooms too. The few flaws id like to point out is the student life office can be a bit close minded. Love it here mostly!... Read 106 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 294

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  28 reviews

Parent: Our child is dyslexic. The Key School at Carolina Day changed our child’s life forever. The teachers, the tailored instruction, and pace of learning was everything our child desperately needed. She realized there are brilliant, dyslexic minds and she was surrounded by many other dyslexic children, just like herself. She wasn’t alone anymore. The teachers equipped my child with the tools she needed for academic success, but also social and emotional success. The Key School’s kinesthetic and auditory/visual learning techiniques coupled with their intentionally small class sizes and warm, nurturing environment was the exact prescription my child needed to heal, learn and grow. I’ve had multiple parents tell me recently that my child seems so “confident”. Seeing the day to day changes in my child’s growth in addition to hearing other’s observations confirm that sending her to the Key School was the best school-related decision I’ve ever made.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A

• Students 600

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  53 reviews

Senior: As a current senior (class of 2023), I can confidently say that applying to and attending the Martin L. Nesbitt Discovery Academy was the best academic decision I have ever made. This school is filled with absolutely amazing teachers who not only inspire their students but also give them the ability to take initiative in their own learning. Additionally, due to the school's application process, the majority of my peers genuinely care about their education, leading to a nerdy, driven community. At MLNDA, students have the ability to pursue their own academic goals, and the school's resources allow them to make their ideas a reality in both the school and community. That being said, this school is not without its problems; many previously top-of-the-class students may struggle finding themselves being in the middle or bottom-half of their class, and the topic of mental health is vastly downplayed. However, if you are a driven, motivated student, I cannot recommend this school enough!... Read 53 reviews

• grade A

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Swannanoa, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  53 reviews

Junior: At Asheville Christian Academy, I have gained an amazing learning experience. It truly feels like the teachers care about the students, not only academically, but also mentally. Being at this school has provided me an experience no other school could give me.... Read 53 reviews

• grade A

• Students 776

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.94 out of 5  34 reviews

Senior: I liked the teachers, subjects, and administration at Odyssey Community School. They could definitely create more diversity within clubs and sports and there are a few negatives with this school. Some include the professionalism within some administration and the college readiness teacher. But overall it is a great school that offers so many opportunities. Additionally, one of the executives, Carly Penny, makes school activities so much fun! It is a safe haven and I feel comfortable and happy when going to school.... Read 34 reviews

• grade A

• Students 155

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Candler, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.42 out of 5  60 reviews

Senior: My experience at Mount Pisgah Academy extends past my 4 years at the high school, it actually expands all the way to 12 years of being on this campus! I went to the K-8 school that is within 100 feet of the Academy's campus. I've always enjoyed MPA, due to the high school spirit, sports programs, regulated intramural programs, the academic gains, and the safety the school brings throughout the entire campus. The school is always ready for anything and has a strong strive to help kids and young adults venture through the beginning of their life. I believe that this high school is one of the absolute best in the world, no doubt, but I do believe that there are some things that can be improved. The first one may not be obvious, but it is the College Readiness. The College Readiness is absolutely fantastic if you are going to Adventist College, but if other options excite you, then a lot of the work will be on your own shoulders. This included the school is absolutely amazing!... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• Students 97

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Focused on the issues of today. Great teachers dedicated to their students’ education and well being.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 435

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  37 reviews

Senior: I think Early College is great for preparing students for college with its dual enrollment program. They do a great job with easing you into college classes, so it doesn’t feel stressful. I feel like teachers here trust students here to be responsible, which means they don’t micromanage you. The assignments they give are actually interesting and not plucked straight from a textbook. Teachers seem to care about what they are teaching, and that means a lot to me. If you are interested in participating in sports or extracurricular activities, this school may not be the place for you. We have no sports or clubs available. The only thing we have close to it are interest groups which 1st-2nd year students are required to participate in. Some interest groups are more interesting than others. I chose a really boring one, and I do regret it. I think the school environment is pretty nice. Students are really nice, and I have never been made to feel unwelcome or ostracized.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 278

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: NBMS is a great school! We were worried about transitioning to the middle school and have been nothing but pleased. The entire staff is great, communication is clear, and the administration really listens and cares for students.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 485

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  240 reviews

Senior: Roberson is the best community in WNC! The bonds created between faculty, staff, and students are genuine and lasting. The academics offered are the best in the area, and the social community is incredibly strong. Roberson athletics are superior and even if you are not an athlete, supporting your fellow Rams is just as fun. There are so many opportunities for connection with the numerous clubs and resources. The administrators, teachers, and counselors are always looking for the best in their students and encourage and aid in success for each and every student. Additionally, the diverse school population has so much inclusivity. Everyone will find someone with something in common. Go Rams!... Read 240 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,479

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Asheville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Francine Delay has been amazing for my son! They do so many cool activities and projects that keep him really engaged! I love how responsive the teachers are! My son had speech delays starting kindergarten and his teacher went above and beyond to make sure he felt confident speaking up in class! There is a really wonderful community feeling at Francine Delany, it's a really incredible school!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 181

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 5-6

• grade A minus

• Students 495

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  212 reviews

Senior: My first year of Reynolds was spent learning from a computer screen, which was not a great introduction to high school. Although my first year wasn't the best my second year went better. Walking into school on the first day felt strange yet refreshing, I enjoyed being able sit in a classroom and talk to my friends while the teachers tried to teach a lesson with a full class for the first time in almost a year. Every since that day each school year has been better and better. In the Junior year I met some cool friends, got my license, and got my first job. This was also one of my hardest years, but still fun. As I begin my senior year I enjoy my classes as all my teachers are funny and nice. After 4 years of this school I will definitely miss it and all the memories I made.... Read 212 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,140

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: I don’t like the students at cane creek, but that is my only complaint. The teachers are ok, and the academics could be better, but overall it’s a pretty good school.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 454

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  5 reviews

Parent: All three of my children attended FES, my youngest ready to start her last year there. The entire staff is dedicated to the success of all students. They value parental involvement and communicate regularly with families. It is a fantastic school staffed by fantastic people who are dedicated to growing every child, every day. I feel very blessed to be in a community with such a wonderful school that has given my children a fantastic start to bright futures ahead.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 629

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Asheville City Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 407

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• K-4

• grade A minus

• Students 494

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 5-8

• •
  Rating 1 out of 5  1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 649

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• 2-4

• grade A minus

• Students 304

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Asheville City Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  181 reviews

Senior: I loved my experience at Asheville High! I made many friends and great teacher connections over my four years. Improvements concerning student and teacher communication must be worked on and parent-administrator communication should also improve. The diversity in AP classes must increase which would hopefully decrease the achievement gap.... Read 181 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,135

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• K-3

• •
  Rating 4.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: This school is the definition of community. The staff and teachers care deeply for our children and our community. Class sizes are great, specials teachers go above and beyond, bus drivers and lunch workers are a joy. We love our school!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 336

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• K-4

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  8 reviews

Parent: West Buncombe Elementary is a great school! We have two children attending the school, both are enrolled in the Dual-Language Spanish Immersion Program and loving it! The teachers are excellent and truly foster a sense of community within the classroom. The curriculum is academically rigorous and the program’s emphasis on multiculturalism has given our kids a bigger world view and appreciation for diversity. My daughter is in her fourth year of the program and is reading and writing fluently in both English and Spanish. It has been a great experience for us to watch our kids thrive at West Buncombe and take pride in their ability to speak a second language.... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Swannanoa, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• grade A minus

• Students 392

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Buncombe County Schools, NC•

• K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Parent: Haw Creek has been a great small community school for my daughter. As a former public school teacher, I did my research on schools in the area and chose to send her to Haw Creek based on the involvement and dedication of the administration and staff. From the first orientation meeting, I could tell the staff was committed to student-centered teaching and learning, and her kindergarten experience demonstrated this. Her amazing teachers challenged her academically and helped her navigate the ins and outs of school life. The leadership is communicative, visible, and involved, and the school itself is now essentially brand new due to state-of-the-art renovations. We are excited to be back for 1st grade!... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 355

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1