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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Cherokee County Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 1,414 students in Cherokee County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Cherokee County, NC are Hiwassee Dam Middle School, Murphy Middle School and Andrews Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 48% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Cherokee County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hiwassee Dam Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
337 Blue Eagle Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Gr: 6-8 | 122 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #22.
Murphy Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
65 Middle School Drive
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-0160
Gr: 6-8 | 353 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #33.
Andrews Middle School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2750 Business Hwy 19
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-5762
Gr: 6-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
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.
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 middle schools in Cherokee County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Cherokee County, NC include Hiwassee Dam Middle School, Murphy Middle School and Andrews Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Cherokee County?
8 public middle schools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public middle schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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