There were 1,053 students enrolled in Graham County schools in the 2023-24 school year, 1.7% less than the previous year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Robbinsville Elementary School registered the highest enrollment among Graham County’s three schools in the 2023-24 school year, welcoming 490 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbinsville Elementary School | 492 | 490 | -0.4% |
| Robbinsville High School | 333 | 315 | -5.4% |
| Robbinsville Middle School | 246 | 248 | 0.8% |
