2024 Best Schools in the Asheville Area

• 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

• Polk County Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 386

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Polk County Schools, NC•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Saluda School is an amazing school. My mother, myself and both my children attended. The teachers are amazing, classes are small so there is a lot of time for 1 on 1. The art programs are great and the manager to bring art into every class in some kind of way.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 152

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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

• Polk County Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: I attended Polk County Middle School for my 6th, 7th and 8th grade years. I had a great experience going to the school. The teachers and staff are all very helpful and friendly.... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Students 497

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• 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

• Henderson County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.31 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: The early college is a place of learning and growth. We are a small school, and thus, a close-knit family. We strive for excellence, and we set goals to give back to the community. My favorite part of my school is the familiarity and comfort it provides. We have one of the most beautiful campuses within the Henderson county public school system. The campus and the people you grow with are a steady assurance of belonging. Of course, every school has its flaws. Like with any small group or family, there will be disagreements. The downside is, you are forced to be with these people every day and almost every class because of the smaller population. That being said, I truly believe this was the best option for my future and myself. Fresh perspectives, personal growth, challenges, new environments and experiences, and countless opportunities. If I could go back, I would choose the early college every time.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A

• Students 204

• Student-teacher ratio 29:1

• McDowell County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.27 out of 5  41 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at McDowell Early College. I always felt valued and cared for by my teachers and professors. I knew, with each problem that I encountered, that I would be met with open arms willing to help me in the best way they could. I am forever grateful for the connections I made and the experiences I had at MEC!... Read 41 reviews

• grade A

• Students 254

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Pisgah Forest, NC•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  10 reviews

Parent: My son has attended Brevard Academy for 6 years. In those 6 years, he, as a student, and we, as a family, are supported in many ways. Our son has gained skills/tools from staff and administration that help him to thrive. It has not always been easy. There have been bumps. During those bumps there’s been respect, care, support and communication. I wish Brevard Academy continued into high school!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• Students 409

• 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

• Fletcher, NC•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  32 reviews

Works Here: This is a wonderful school, small class sizes, project based learning, and beautiful campus makes VCA a great educational option. Teachers are passionate to ensure that each student's individual needs are being met. The global version education system gives our students more opportunities to meet friends from different countries and learn about multiculturalism.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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

• Henderson County Schools, NC•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 572

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• 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

• Waynesville, NC•

• Public School•

• K-10

• grade A minus

• Students 563

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Henderson County Schools, NC•

• K-5

• grade A minus

• Students 321

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fletcher, NC•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: Fletcher is a great place to be- the students are connected, the teachers are honestly inspired, and the environment feels safe. It's a place where people with the same beliefs can come together to share our beliefs with others, which is so important to our faith. I enjoy so many things about attending Fletcher. The only exception would be the slight lack of diversity.... Read 19 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 175

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Henderson County Schools, NC•

• 6-8

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Middle School Student: It was a very nice experience, very nice students and teachers greeted me. There are, however, things I would change. The school is not super diverse; most people are pro-conservative, and I am a liberal. Besides that, I think this is a very nice school and I would recommend it to everyone!... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 784

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Polk County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: I love it at Polk County Early College. You get to work at your own pace for many things and everyone here is very friendly. Many classes you take will be online through Isothermal and that is a challenge for some people. However, the teachers always welcome one on one help if you need it. It is a tight group and you become close to almost everyone at this school. One thing that deters people away from here is that there are no school sports available to students here.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1