The only school district in Swain County had rising enrollment in the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
There were 1,784 students in Swain County Schools, 0.1% higher than the year before.
The enrollment numbers in Swain County was steady with the state’s trend of increasing enrollment.
Swain County Schools has a main office in Bryson City and is the only school district within Swain County.
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 | Total Enrollment in 2023-24 | Total Enrollment in 2022-23 | Total % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swain County High School | 538 | 541 | -0.6% |
| Swain County West Elementary School | 417 | 399 | 4.5% |
| Swain County Middle School | 373 | 387 | -3.6% |
| Swain County East Elementary School | 345 | 339 | 1.8% |
| Mountain Discovery | 189 | 178 | 6.2% |
