Franklin offers educational opportunities for all ages (pre-school through retirement). In addition to a strong public school system, we have a nationally recognized Head Start program, a community college offering both degree and continuing education programs and easy access to a university.

Pre-School
Macon Program for Progress manages a model Head Start program with several facilities in the county. For additional information call (828) 524-4473. In addition, there a number of private day care centers in and around Franklin.

Public Schools
Our public school system includes Franklin High School, Macon Middle School (grades 6 through 8) and seven elementary schools with a total student population of approximately 4,000 students. For additional information call (828) 524-3314.

Private Schools
Macon County has one private school, Trimont Christian Academy at 98 Promise Lane, which serves students from pre-school through grade 12. For additional information call (828) 369-6756.

In addition, a number of Macon County parents send their teens to Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, a college prep school serving grades K through 12, in Dillard Georgia.

College
Southwestern Community College, one of 58 community colleges in North Carolina, provides a variety of 2-year degree programs and a host of continuing education opportunities for Macon County. The main campus of the College is located in Sylva (just 20 miles away) and there are three facilities in Macon County.

The SCC Business Assistance Center located in the Macon County Courthouse in room 326, provides business counseling, seminars, and customized business and industry training for Macon, Swain, and Jackson counties and the Qualla Boundary. They can be reached at (828) 349-1278. For small business assistance contact Russ Seagle. For customized business and industry options contact Keith Corbeil.

The SCC Macon Center, located at 23 Macon Avenue (behind the courthouse), provides course work for degree seeking students as well as a variety of continuing education courses. Their number is (828) 369-7331. For information on the Leadership Macon program, computer courses, G.E.D. prep courses, adult high school, dual enrollment for high school students or other training needs contact Hank Shuler. For G.E.D. prep courses or ESL contact Joan Moulton.

The SCC Public Safety Training Complex in the Macon Industrial Park provides training in law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical training. For additional information, call (828) 369-0591 or contact Susan McCaskill.

In addition to a popular college transfer program, SCC has associate degree programs in a variety of health care fields, technology fields, and other career areas. For additional information about the college, visit their website.

University
Western Carolina University in Cullowhee is just 25 miles away and a member of the North Carolina University system. It provides undergraduate degrees in the applied sciences, arts and sciences, business, education and allied professions. They offer twelve master’s degrees and two doctorial degrees. With an undergraduate population of approximately 7000, this small university attracts students from across the country and around the world.

• WCU houses the Mountain Aquaculture Research Center which assists in aquaculture in Western North Carolina.
• The Mountain Heritage Center celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of our region through exhibits, programs, and education.
• The Mountain Resource Center at WCU assists with regional economic development issues through counseling, research, and other programs.
• The Upward Bound Math and Science Regional Center provides high school students with exciting summer opportunities.
• For more information about WCU, visit their website at.