Serving 297 students in grades 6-8, Murphy Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 297 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Murphy Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Murphy Middle School's student population of 297 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
297 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Murphy Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Murphy Middle School is 0.32, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1096 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
6%
21%
Black
3%
25%
White
82%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murphy Middle School's ranking?
Murphy Middle School is ranked #1096 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Murphy Middle School?
297 students attend Murphy Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Murphy Middle School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Murphy Middle School?
Murphy Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Murphy Middle School offer ?
Murphy Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Murphy Middle School part of?
Murphy Middle School is part of Cherokee County Schools School District.
School Reviews
1 3/27/2020
Murphy Middle School lacks certain details and assets that which most schools state and country wide have. This school only has one bathroom, not to mention the lack of modern technology, clean food, air conditioner, academia, good teachers, and sports programs. Also, the fact that Murphy Middle is far behind on its education system, and they lack common discipline skills. They once even had a student who threatened at least a dozen pupils and teachers, but yet little to none discipline actions were done in the cause of this threat. The only good thing about this school is the Christian program called FCA and 8th grade history teacher Mrs. Smith. Besides that this school is at most a D- institution.
2 1/19/2016
This is my child's first year here. We moved here from a bigger city. Murphy Middle School does have great teachers who care about their students. However, my child has told me on numerous occasions that they have had assemblies focused on religious ideologies. The bus has gotten canceled and parents were never notified. Their math cirrcullium is 3 years behind where we moved from. The technology that is available, is also very out dated. Plus, there are limited sports programs to choose from.
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