Swain County Schools

At the end of the day on May 13, a Swain West Elementary School teacher responded to a report of a possible gun in a student's bookbag. The teacher immediately confiscated the bookbag, notified school officials, and determined that the item was a toy gun. We want to reassure our community that at no point were students or staff in any danger.

School officials followed all established safety protocols to ensure our learning environment remained secure and orderly. This incident marks the second time in the past week that a potential threat was identified and resolved quickly, preventing the need for a campus-wide lockdown.

We need your partnership to keep our campuses safe. Please take a moment this evening to speak with your children about appropriate behavior and school rules.

Important Reminder: No weapons of any kind—including toys, look-alikes, or replica items—are permitted on school grounds at any time. Bringing these items to school creates unnecessary alarm and disrupts the educational environment. We remain fully committed to maintaining a safe, focused environment for every student and staff member. Thank you for your continued support and vigilance.

On Wednesday, May 6, Swain County High School officials responded to a report of a possible gun on campus. Within minutes, School Resource Officers located the student involved and quickly determined the item was a prop/toy gun. At no point were students or staff in danger.
School officials followed all appropriate safety protocols to ensure a secure and orderly learning environment. All reports are taken seriously, and we appreciate the swift response of staff and law enforcement.
This incident serves as an important reminder that no weapons of any kind—including toy or replica items—are permitted on school campuses. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff.

Ready to shape the future? Swain County Schools is officially hiring for the 2026-2027 school year! We are looking for dedicated professionals to join our team.

Discover a career where your expertise directly influences the next generation. There is no greater reward than guiding young people toward their full potential and seeing their success firsthand. We have several open positions available:

Special Education Teachers
School Nurses
Occupational Therapist & COTA
High School Teachers
Elementary Education Teachers
Bus Drivers

Whether you’re in the classroom, the clinic, the field, or behind the wheel, you play a vital role in our students' lives. Come grow your career in a place where your passion for mentoring and leadership truly makes a difference.

Apply today at: swain.schoolspring.com

School will operate on a normal schedule at all locations on Thursday, April 2nd.

Swain County High School, Swain Academy, Middle School and PreK have been made aware of the current boil water advisory issued for the Town of Bryson City. In response to this all student and faculty drinking water sources have been covered and made off limits for use until the boil advisory is lifted. All students and staff will be provided with bottled water for their consumption on Thursday, April 2nd. Additionally, students may bring water bottles filled from home for their use. Students will not be allowed to refill their personal water bottles from public water sources. They may use the bottled water to do so if they would like.

Swain County High School and Swain Academy utilizes a storage tank that is filled weekly using public water. This tank was refilled on Tuesday evening before the water disruption and boil advisory. Out of an abundance of caution, this tank will not be used for any service other than non-potable restroom facilities until the water has been tested for purity.

Lunches will be served on a regular schedule but will be prepackaged and require no water supply from the cafeteria. Milk and bottled water will be available with lunch at the middle and high school.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and stay in communication with local officials. Should conditions change, we will notify students, staff, and families promptly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.