#1 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
Odyssey Community School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
Smaller classes than 78% of independent schools in North Carolina
Asheville, NC
A+Overall grade121 students5 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Buncombe County, NC. Top 7 of 7 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
Carolina Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest independent school in Asheville
Asheville, NC
A+Overall grade587 students8 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
Asheville Waldorf School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 67% of independent schools in North Carolina
Asheville, NC
A-Overall grade104 students6 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
French Broad River Academy Boys Program
Independent school · Grades 6–8
Smaller classes than 77% of independent schools in North Carolina
Asheville, NC
A-Overall grade125 students5 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
The New Classical Academy
Independent school · Grades K–8
Growing: enrollment up 103% since 2011–12
Asheville, NC
A-Overall grade75 students8 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
Hanger Hall School
Independent school · Grades 6–8
Growing: enrollment up 24% since 2011–12
Asheville, NC
B+Overall gradeAll girls83 students11 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Buncombe County, NC
Rainbow Community School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Growing: enrollment up 54% since 2013–14
Asheville, NC
B+Overall grade171 students11 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.