For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 3,391 students in Cherokee County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 31 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Cherokee County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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 49% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (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 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Cherokee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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
Gr: 9-13 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Peachtree Elementary 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
Gr: PK-5 | 166 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #44.
Hiwassee Dam Middle 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
Gr: 6-8 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #55.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Murphy Middle 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
Gr: 6-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #77.
Andrews Middle 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
Gr: 6-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #88.
Murphy Elementary 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
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #99.
Ranger Elementary 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
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #1010.
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
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #1111.
Martins Creek Elementary 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
Gr: PK-5 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #1212.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #1313.
Andrews Elementary 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
Gr: PK-5 | 330 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1414.
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
Gr: 6-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
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?
15 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 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (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, Murphy Elementary School vs. Martins Creek Elementary School
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