Nantahala News

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%