For the 2024-25 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 3,228 students in Cherokee County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 33 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Cherokee County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, NC are Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Peachtree Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cherokee County (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Murphy High School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
234 High School Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2426
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2426
Grades: 9-12
| 489 students
Rank: #22.
Tri-county Early College High School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4650 E Us 64 Alt.
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-4318
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-4318
Grades: 9-13
| 126 students
Rank: #33.
Peachtree Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 Upper Peachtree Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2479
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2479
Grades: PK-5
| 144 students
Rank: #44.
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
337 Blue Eagle Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Grades: PK-8
| 120 students
Rank: #55.
Andrews High School
Magnet School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
50 High School Drive
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5415
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5415
Grades: 9-12
| 225 students
Rank: #66.
Murphy Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
65 Middle School Drive
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-0160
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-0160
Grades: 6-8
| 316 students
Rank: #77.
Andrews Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2750 Business Hwy 19
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5762
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5762
Grades: 6-8
| 187 students
Rank: #88.
Murphy Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
315 Valley River Avenue
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2424
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2424
Grades: PK-5
| 536 students
Rank: #99.
Ranger Elementary Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
101 Hardy Truett Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5111
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5111
Grades: PK-8
| 258 students
Rank: #1010.
Nantahala School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
213 Windingstairs Rd
Topton, NC 28781
(828) 321-4388
Topton, NC 28781
(828) 321-4388
Grades: K-12
| 85 students
Rank: #1111.
Martins Creek Elementary/mid
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1459 Tobe Stalcup Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2831
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2831
Grades: PK-8
| 184 students
Rank: #1212.
Hiwassee Dam High School
Magnet School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
267 Blue Eagle Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Grades: 9-12
| 158 students
Rank: #1313.
Andrews Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Jean Christy Ave.
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-4415
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-4415
Grades: PK-5
| 350 students
Rank: #1414.
The Oaks Academy
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2230 Airport Road
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-6775
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-6775
Grades: 6-12
| 50 students
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
The Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Charter School
945 Conaheeta Street
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-7240
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-7240
Grades: K-9
| 200 students
2230 Airport Road
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-5485
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-5485
Grades: PK-5
| 113 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Cherokee County, NC include Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Peachtree Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Cherokee County?
14 public schools are located in Cherokee County.
What percentage of students in Cherokee County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Cherokee County are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public schools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Cherokee County include: Andrews High School vs. Murphy High School, Hiwassee Dam High School vs. Murphy High School, Peachtree Elementary School vs. Martins Creek Elementary/mid
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