There were 1,233 students enrolled in Clay County schools in the 2023-24 school year, 1.2% more than the previous year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Hayesville High School registered the highest enrollment among Clay County’s four schools in the 2023-24 school year, welcoming 365 students.
Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).
Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.
| School name | Total Enrollment in 2022-23 | Total Enrollment in 2023-24 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayesville High School | 381 | 365 | -4.2% |
| Hayesville Primary School | 300 | 316 | 5.3% |
| Hayesville Middle School | 272 | 288 | 5.9% |
| Hayesville Elementary School | 265 | 264 | -0.4% |
