Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Haywood County Schools serves the students and families of beautiful Haywood County, North Carolina. Our district is dedicated to providing a high-quality, well-rounded education that prepares every student for success in college, career, and life.
Haywood County is located in western North Carolina, just west of Asheville, and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, vibrant small towns, and strong sense of community. With a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, our county offers an exceptional quality of life — from outdoor recreation and the Blue Ridge Parkway to local arts, music, and community traditions.
The school system includes a network of elementary, middle, and high schools, along with specialized programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our educators are committed to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and character in a safe and supportive environment.
At Haywood County Schools, we believe that education is the foundation of a thriving community. We take pride in our partnerships with families, local businesses, and civic organizations as we work together to inspire lifelong learning and achievement for all.
Academic Excellence in Haywood County Schools
Haywood County Schools consistently outperforms many districts across North Carolina, a testament to our focus on rigorous instruction, student growth, and college/career readiness.
- Among the 14 counties in the Western Region of North Carolina, HCS stands out:
- Pisgah High School (Grades 9-12), is the highest-performing traditional high school.
- Haywood Early College (Grades 9-13), is the highest performing early college.
- Bethel Middle (Grades 6-8), is the highest performing middle school
- Riverbend Elementary School (Grades K-5), is the highest performing elementary school.
- HCS emphasizes continuous improvement: from early literacy efforts to multiple pathways for post-secondary success (including Advanced Placement and Career & Technical Education) for all students.
These achievements reflect our commitment to every student’s success and to upholding high standards across all grade levels.
Why Choose Haywood County Schools?
- Top-tier performance: With a consistent top-10 statewide ranking among 115 districts, HCS stands among the highest-performing school systems in North Carolina.
- Strong feeder system: Excellence begins early — with high-performing elementary and middle schools preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
- Rich regional context: Students learn in a setting surrounded by natural beauty, community vitality, and a strong culture of support and engagement.
- Dedicated to growth: HCS’s instructional vision emphasizes personalized learning, data-driven instruction, teacher leaders, and collaborative professional communities.