Central Haywood High

As an one-room-style four-year high school in Waynesville, North Carolina, Central Haywood High works with 63 students from grades 9 through 12, one of the schools within Haywood County Schools. Enrollment runs roughly 92% leaner than the state mean of about 761.

Central Haywood High is one of 15 schools operated by Haywood County Schools, a district that educates 6,476 students overall.

Demographically, Central Haywood High lists that White students make up the majority at 76%. Other groups include 16% Hispanic, 3% Black, 3% multiracial. By comparison, Haywood County as a whole is about 91% White, so the school skews noticeably less White than its surroundings.

In terms of school funding signals, Central Haywood High lists 7 full-time-equivalent teachers, putting the student-to-teacher ratio at about 8.5:1. Statewide, the average ratio sits near 19.6:1, putting Central Haywood High tighter than the state norm the norm. An estimated 94% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, a number frequently used as a low-income enrollment indicator.

Around the school, Haywood County reports that median household income runs about $61,912, 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and roughly 9% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Central Haywood High is one of 16 public schools in Haywood County (combined enrollment of about 7,092 students).

Nearest neighbor: Waynesville Middle, around 0.3 miles off. Within five miles, there are 7 other public schools.

The campus sits in a town-center setting.

Trend over the last 7 years. Looking back 7 years, enrollment at Central Haywood High has fell 48%, going from 122 students in 2018 to 63 in 2025. White enrollment moved from 90% to 76% across the same window.

On the community side, members of the Central Haywood High community share and discuss pickup logistics, teacher feedback, and after-school programs. Parents, students, alumni, and staff are welcome to weigh in.