There were 2,955 students enrolled in Cherokee County Schools in the 2023-24 school year, 2.2% less than the previous year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Cherokee County Schools roughly covers 13 schools within Cherokee County and has a main office in Murphy.
Among the 13 schools in Cherokee County Schools, Murphy Elementary School recorded the highest enrollment of 477 students in the 2023-24 school year.
Despite boasting a favorable teacher-student ratio of 1:15, surpassing the national average, North Carolina’s public schools face a significant funding gap. The state’s per-student expenditure of $10,519 falls considerably short of the national average of $14,295.
North Carolina’s public schools faced a staggering 58.4% surge in vacant teaching positions in the 2021-22 school year, leaving over 5,000 classrooms without qualified instructors.
North Carolina’s public schools are facing a significant funding gap, with a per-student expenditure of $10,519 — well below the national average of $14,295.
This financial strain is further compounded by a significant challenge in staffing with a staggering 58.4% surge in vacant teaching positions in the 2021-22 school year, leaving over 5,000 classrooms without qualified instructors.
| School | Total Enrollment |
|---|---|
| Murphy Elementary School | 477 |
| Murphy High School | 415 |
| Andrews Elementary School | 333 |
| Murphy Middle School | 296 |
| Ranger Elementary/Middle School | 257 |
| Andrews High School | 214 |
| Andrews Middle School | 190 |
| Martins Creek Elementary/Mid | 174 |
| Peachtree Elementary School | 150 |
| Tri-County Early College High | 147 |
| Hiwassee Dam High School | 131 |
| Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle School | 118 |
| The Oaks Academy | 53 |
