Clay County Schools & Education
Clay County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
57/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
92.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,296
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
57/100
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
#15
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Clay County
School Verdict
Clay County performs at an average level with a school score of 57/100 and a solid graduation rate of 92.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,296 per pupil, Clay County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Clay County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 42% above the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 4.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 5% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Clay County, North Carolina
Centralized Schools for a Small Community
Clay County operates a compact educational system consisting of 4 total schools that serve 1,314 students. The infrastructure is streamlined into two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Leading the State in Academic Results
Clay County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate and a school score of 55.2, both of which far exceed state averages. The county's per-pupil expenditure of $7,296 reflects a strong financial commitment to its student population.
Clay County Schools District
Clay County Schools is the single district serving the entire enrollment of 1,314 students. There are no charter schools in the county, allowing the community to focus entirely on its successful local public district.
A Purely Rural School Experience
All schools in the county are located in rural locales, creating a consistent and scenic educational environment. Hayesville High is the largest school with 393 students, while Hayesville Elementary is the smallest with 270 students.
Top-Tier Schools in a Mountain Setting
Clay County offers some of the highest academic scores in the state, making it a prime choice for families. Explore homes near Hayesville to take advantage of an education system that yields a 92.0% graduation rate.
School Overview
Total Schools
4
in Clay County
Total Enrollment
1,314
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 Clay County
Clay County Schools
4 Public Schools in Clay County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesville High | Clay County Schools | 9–12 | High | 393 |
| Hayesville Primary School | Clay County Schools | PK–2 | Primary | 377 |
| Hayesville Middle | Clay County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 274 |
| Hayesville Elementary | Clay County Schools | 3–5 | Primary | 270 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,296
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Clay County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Clay County?
How much does Clay County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Clay County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Clay County, North Carolina?
Clay County operates a compact educational system consisting of 4 total schools that serve 1,314 students. The infrastructure is streamlined into two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
How do schools in Clay County perform academically?
Clay County boasts a 92.0% graduation rate and a school score of 55.2, both of which far exceed state averages. The county's per-pupil expenditure of $7,296 reflects a strong financial commitment to its student population.
What are the major school districts in Clay County, North Carolina?
Clay County Schools is the single district serving the entire enrollment of 1,314 students. There are no charter schools in the county, allowing the community to focus entirely on its successful local public district.
What is the school experience like in Clay County?
All schools in the county are located in rural locales, creating a consistent and scenic educational environment. Hayesville High is the largest school with 393 students, while Hayesville Elementary is the smallest with 270 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Clay County, North Carolina?
Clay County offers some of the highest academic scores in the state, making it a prime choice for families. Explore homes near Hayesville to take advantage of an education system that yields a 92.0% graduation rate.
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.