Cherokee County Schools & Education
Cherokee County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
32/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
76.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
76.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,722
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
32/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#71
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Cherokee County
School Verdict
Cherokee County faces educational challenges with a school score of 32/100 and a graduation rate of 76.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $7,722 per pupil, Cherokee County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Cherokee County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 20% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 12.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 11% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Cherokee County, North Carolina
Dedicated Rural Schools in the Mountains
Cherokee County maintains 13 public schools serving 3,146 students in the western corner of the state. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 5 high schools all within a single district.
High Investment with Growth Opportunities
The county invests $7,722 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. However, the 76.0% graduation rate and 47.7 school score indicate areas where the county is working to improve student outcomes.
Cherokee County Schools Leads Enrollment
Cherokee County Schools operates as the sole district for the area, serving all 3,146 local students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, ensuring the district remains the primary focal point for community education.
Intimate Rural Campus Environments
Every school in Cherokee County is located in a rural setting, with an average school size of just 242 students. Murphy Elementary is the largest campus with 536 students, offering a close-knit feel compared to larger urban districts.
Discover Mountain Living and Schools
For families seeking small class sizes and a rural mountain lifestyle, Cherokee County offers a unique opportunity. Explore homes near the Murphy schools to be part of a community that prioritizes personal connections within its educational system.
School Overview
Total Schools
13
in Cherokee County
Total Enrollment
3,146
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Cherokee County
Cherokee County Schools
13 Public Schools in Cherokee County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murphy Elementary | Cherokee County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 536 |
| Murphy High | Cherokee County Schools | 9–12 | High | 489 |
| Andrews Elementary | Cherokee County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 350 |
| Murphy Middle | Cherokee County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 316 |
| Ranger Elementary/Middle | Cherokee County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 258 |
| Andrews High | Cherokee County Schools | 9–12 | High | 225 |
| Andrews Middle | Cherokee County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 187 |
| Martins Creek Elementary/Mid | Cherokee County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 184 |
| Hiwassee Dam High | Cherokee County Schools | 9–12 | High | 158 |
| Peachtree Elementary | Cherokee County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 144 |
| Tri-County Early College High | Cherokee County Schools | 9–UG | High | 129 |
| Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle | Cherokee County Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 120 |
| The Oaks Academy | Cherokee County Schools | 6–12 | Alternative | 50 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,722
State avg $6,969
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Cherokee County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Cherokee County?
How much does Cherokee County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Cherokee County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Cherokee County, North Carolina?
Cherokee County maintains 13 public schools serving 3,146 students in the western corner of the state. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 5 high schools all within a single district.
How do schools in Cherokee County perform academically?
The county invests $7,722 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the North Carolina average of $6,969. However, the 76.0% graduation rate and 47.7 school score indicate areas where the county is working to improve student outcomes.
What are the major school districts in Cherokee County, North Carolina?
Cherokee County Schools operates as the sole district for the area, serving all 3,146 local students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, ensuring the district remains the primary focal point for community education.
What is the school experience like in Cherokee County?
Every school in Cherokee County is located in a rural setting, with an average school size of just 242 students. Murphy Elementary is the largest campus with 536 students, offering a close-knit feel compared to larger urban districts.
How can I find homes near good schools in Cherokee County, North Carolina?
For families seeking small class sizes and a rural mountain lifestyle, Cherokee County offers a unique opportunity. Explore homes near the Murphy schools to be part of a community that prioritizes personal connections within its educational system.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.