There were 1,862 students enrolled in Swain County schools in the 2023-24 school year, 1% more than the previous year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Swain County High School registered the highest enrollment among Swain County’s five schools in the 2023-24 school year, welcoming 538 students.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.
| School name | Total Enrollment in 2022-23 | Total Enrollment in 2023-24 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swain County High School | 541 | 538 | -0.6% |
| Swain County West Elementary School | 399 | 417 | 4.5% |
| Swain County Middle School | 387 | 373 | -3.6% |
| Swain County East Elementary School | 339 | 345 | 1.8% |
| Mountain Discovery | 178 | 189 | 6.2% |
