For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 1,284 students in Cherokee County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Cherokee County, NC are Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Andrews High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Cherokee County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 77%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Murphy High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Cherokee County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Murphy High 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
| 433 students
Rank: #22.
Tri-county Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
Tri-county Early College High,
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Grades: 9-13
| 149 students
Rank: #33.
Andrews High 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
| 222 students
Rank: #44.
Nantahala 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
| 87 students
Rank: #55.
The Learning Center
Charter School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
945 Conaheeta Street
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-7240
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-7240
Grades: K-9
| 200 students
Rank: #66.
Hiwassee Dam High 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
| 141 students
Rank: #77.
The Oaks Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
The Oaks Academy, 4700 East Us
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Grades: 6-12
| 52 students
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
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 high schools in Cherokee County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Cherokee County, NC include Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Andrews High School.
How many public high schools are located in Cherokee County?
7 public high schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public high schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Cherokee County include: Andrews High School vs. Murphy High School, Hiwassee Dam High School vs. Murphy High School, Nantahala School vs. Murphy High School
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