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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Cherokee County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 1,284 students in Cherokee County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Cherokee County, NC are Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Andrews High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Cherokee County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 81%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Murphy High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Cherokee County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murphy High School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
234 High School Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2426
Gr: 9-12 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Tri-county Early College High School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
Tri-county Early College High,
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Gr: 9-13 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Andrews High School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
50 High School Drive
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5415
Gr: 9-12 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Nantahala School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
213 Windingstairs Rd
Topton, NC 28781
(828) 321-4388
Gr: K-12 | 97 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
Hiwassee Dam High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
267 Blue Eagle Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Gr: 9-12 | 137 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #66.
The Oaks Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
The Oaks Academy, 4700 East Us
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6775
Gr: 6-12 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Cherokee County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Cherokee County, NC include Murphy High School, Tri-county Early College High School and Andrews High School.
How many public high schools are located in Cherokee County?
7 public high schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public high schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?

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