- South Macon Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 465 students
- Iotla Valley Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 408 students
- Cartoogechaye Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 354 students
- East Franklin Elementary — Grades K–4 · 315 students
- Mountain View Intermediate — Grades 5–6 · 614 students
- Macon Middle School — Grades 7–8 · 576 students
- Franklin High — Grades 9–12 · 996 students
- Macon Early College High School — Grades 9 · 154 students
- Bartram Academy — Grades 9–12 · 102 students
- Highlands School — Grades K–12 · 344 students
- Nantahala School — Grades K–12 · 97 students
- Macon Virtual Academy — Grades K–12 · 44 students
| Metric | Macon County Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,450 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 12 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $10,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macon County Schools (this district) | 5/10 | 45th | 4,450 |
| Pitt County Schools | 7/10 | 68th | 24,091 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 115 rated districts in NC → 45th percentile → 5/10.
Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Instruction EOG, grades 3–8 Reading & Math Grade Level Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Macon County Schools
Zip code 28741 in Highlands, North Carolina is served by Macon County Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Macon County Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Macon County Schools 5 out of 10 — average among North Carolina public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in North Carolina’s EOG grades 3–8 Reading & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because North Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Macon County Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in North Carolina. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 28741
Children in zip code 28741 are assigned to Macon County Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 28741, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Macon County Schools at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — North Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Highlands
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because Macon County Schools serves zip code 28741, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 28741 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In North Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Macon County Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 28741.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Macon County Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 28741 data.