[2] Swain County High School is a result of consolidations in the 1950s and a 1970s building program.

At the time of restructuring, there were four kindergarten through 8th grade elementary schools in Swain County, at Whittier, Bryson City, Alarka, and Almond.

In 2011, eight new classrooms were added to Swain West Elementary, and officials drew plans for a new high school.

However, due to budget constraints, the county ultimately funded a massive refurbishments and addition to the current high school.

Swain County High School has eight North Carolina state football championships with the most recent coming in 2011.