Avery County Schools

The Avery County Schools district in North Carolina comprises 8 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. The district serves a predominantly white student population, with some schools having a more diverse Hispanic student body. While the district exhibits a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools, a few standout institutions shine, including Banner Elk Elementary and Cranberry Middle, which consistently rank among the top schools in the state.

The data reveals a stark contrast in academic performance within the district. Banner Elk Elementary and Cranberry Middle stand out with their exceptional test scores and high rankings, while Newland Elementary and Riverside Elementary lag behind. This disparity appears to be linked to socioeconomic factors, as the schools with the highest free/reduced lunch rates tend to have lower academic achievement.

Despite these differences, the district also exhibits some efficient resource utilization, with Riverside Elementary maintaining a low student-teacher ratio and relatively low spending per student. Additionally, the consistent high performance of Banner Elk Elementary and Cranberry Middle over the past three years suggests a level of sustained excellence within the district.