Clay County Schools welcomed 1,233 students in 2023-24 school year

Melissa Godfrey, Superintendent Clay County Schools | tse3.mm.bing.net

By Nantahala News

Apr 13, 2025

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.

Clay County Schools roughly covers four schools within Clay County and has a main office in Hayesville.

Among the four schools in Clay County Schools, Hayesville High School recorded the highest enrollment of 365 students in the 2023-24 school year.

North Carolina’s student-teacher ratio is roughly 15.4 students per teacher, aligning with the national average. However, rising teacher turnover threatens to push class sizes higher, making it harder for students to get individualized attention.

If vacancies continue to grow, schools may struggle to maintain this ratio, impacting the quality of instruction. Districts in lower-funded areas face the biggest challenges, as limited budgets make it harder to attract and retain teachers.

Enrollment in Clay County Schools Over 8 Years