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The Catamount School

Operated by Western Carolina University in partnership with Jackson County Schools, The Catamount School is a lab school for 6th, 7th and 8th graders designed to explore innovative teaching approaches and applied learning opportunities in order to help every student discover their full academic potential in a specially designaed environment geared towards meeting adolescents unique needs. The Catamount School is located on the campus of Smoky Mountain High School.

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Explore the Catamount School for Your Child

About Our School

Approach to Teaching


We provide instruction that is personalized to the needs of each student, and we emphasize the development of critical reasoning skills through problem solving in class.

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 Paws walking with students

Enrichment Opportunities


Through campus resources at Western Carolina and in the community, we provide physical and cultural enrichment to encourage students to learn more about themselves and others and discover talents.

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 A locker at the Catamount School

Admission Guidelines


We serve students residing in Jackson County, NC, in accordance with state legislation. The Catamount School will begin enrollment for the upcoming school year in March.

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