Cherokee County Schools & Education

Cherokee County, Oklahoma

School Score

36/100

Higher = better

Rating

Below Average

Graduation Rate

88.2%

National avg 87.5%

Education Statistics

Graduation Rate

88.2%

National avg 87.5%

State avg 84.3%

Per-Pupil Spending

$6,763

National avg $13,239

State avg $6,520

School Score

36/100

Higher = better

State avg 28/100

State School Rank

#20

of 77 counties (1 = best)

Education Overview

About Schools in Cherokee County, Oklahoma

A High-Performing Network of Twenty Schools

Cherokee County features 20 public schools and 12 districts serving a total of 7,075 students. The landscape consists of 14 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools. This infrastructure includes one charter school, representing 5% of the total educational options.

Leading the State in School Quality

Cherokee County earns a school score of 52.1, notably higher than the state average of 49.5 and the national median of 50.0. The 88.2% graduation rate exceeds both state and national benchmarks. Investment is also strong, with per-pupil spending of $6,763 surpassing the Oklahoma average.

Tahlequah Serves as the Education Hub

The Tahlequah district is the dominant force in the county, educating 3,607 students across 6 schools. Other notable districts include Keys and Hulbert, which serve 750 and 550 students respectively. These districts maintain a high standard of performance within the local community.

Rural Foundations with Town Centers

Education here is mostly rural, with 14 schools situated in countryside settings and 6 in town locales. The average school size is 354 students, though Tahlequah High School is much larger with 1,300 students. This mix offers families a choice between small rural campuses and larger, more centralized schools.

Relocate Near Oklahoma's Top-Performing Schools

With school scores and graduation rates consistently beating state averages, Cherokee County is an attractive option for education-focused buyers. Looking for a home near Tahlequah ensures proximity to the county's largest academic resources. High school performance makes this area a sound long-term investment for families.

School Overview

Total Schools

20

in Cherokee County

Total Enrollment

7,075

students

School Districts

12

districts

Charter Schools

1

5% of total

School Type Breakdown

Elementary14
Middle2
High3
Other1

12 School Districts in Cherokee County

TAHLEQUAH

6 schools
3,607 students

KEYS

2 schools
750 students

HULBERT

3 schools
550 students

GRAND VIEW

1 school
503 students

BRIGGS

1 school
421 students

WOODALL

1 school
384 students

TENKILLER

1 school
197 students

PEGGS

1 school
187 students

NORWOOD

1 school
139 students

SHADY GROVE

1 school
134 students

20 Public Schools in Cherokee County

TAHLEQUAH HS

TAHLEQUAH

9–12High1,300 students
TAHLEQUAH MS

TAHLEQUAH

6–8Middle676 students
GRAND VIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL

GRAND VIEW

PK–8Primary503 students
GREENWOOD ES

TAHLEQUAH

KG–5Primary503 students
HERITAGE ES

TAHLEQUAH

KG–5Primary495 students
KEYS ES

KEYS

PK–8Primary493 students
CHEROKEE ES

TAHLEQUAH

KG–5Primary438 students
BRIGGS PUBLIC SCHOOL

BRIGGS

PK–8Primary421 students
WOODALL PUBLIC SCHOOL

WOODALL

PK–8Primary384 students
KEYS HS

KEYS

9–12High257 students
HULBERT ES

HULBERT

PK–5Primary246 students
TENKILLER PUBLIC SCHOOL

TENKILLER

PK–8Primary197 students
SEQUOYAH ES

TAHLEQUAH

PKOther195 students
PEGGS PUBLIC SCHOOL

PEGGS

PK–8Primary187 students
HULBERT JR-SR HS (SR)

HULBERT

9–12High183 students
NORWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL

NORWOOD

PK–8Primary139 students
SHADY GROVE PUBLIC SCHOOL

SHADY GROVE

PK–8Primary134 students
HULBERT MS

HULBERT

6–8Middle121 students
CHEROKEE IMMERSION CHARTER SCH

CHEROKEE IMMERSION CHARTER SCH

PK–8Charter103 students
LOWREY PUBLIC SCHOOL

LOWREY

PK–8Primary100 students

Educational Attainment

Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure

$6,763

State avg $6,520

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Frequently Asked Questions

Schools in Cherokee County, Oklahoma — FAQ

What does the school system look like in Cherokee County, Oklahoma?

Cherokee County features 20 public schools and 12 districts serving a total of 7,075 students. The landscape consists of 14 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 3 high schools. This infrastructure includes one charter school, representing 5% of the total educational options.

How do schools in Cherokee County perform academically?

Cherokee County earns a school score of 52.1, notably higher than the state average of 49.5 and the national median of 50.0. The 88.2% graduation rate exceeds both state and national benchmarks. Investment is also strong, with per-pupil spending of $6,763 surpassing the Oklahoma average.

What are the major school districts in Cherokee County, Oklahoma?

The Tahlequah district is the dominant force in the county, educating 3,607 students across 6 schools. Other notable districts include Keys and Hulbert, which serve 750 and 550 students respectively. These districts maintain a high standard of performance within the local community.

What is the school experience like in Cherokee County?

Education here is mostly rural, with 14 schools situated in countryside settings and 6 in town locales. The average school size is 354 students, though Tahlequah High School is much larger with 1,300 students. This mix offers families a choice between small rural campuses and larger, more centralized schools.

How can I find homes near good schools in Cherokee County, Oklahoma?

With school scores and graduation rates consistently beating state averages, Cherokee County is an attractive option for education-focused buyers. Looking for a home near Tahlequah ensures proximity to the county's largest academic resources. High school performance makes this area a sound long-term investment for families.

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.