Hiwassee Dam High School in Murphy, North Carolina serves grades 9–12 and is one of three high schools in Cherokee County Schools. It is the westernmost public school in the state of North Carolina. As of 2007 it had a full-time teaching staff of 20 teachers giving an average of 11 students per teacher.
Serving 137 students in grades 9-12, Hiwassee Dam High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21-39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-59% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 7% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 137 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Hiwassee Dam High School's student population of 137 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
137 students
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Year Founded
1939
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Hiwassee Dam High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Hiwassee Dam High School is 0.13, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1575 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)21-39%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
3%
22%
Black
n/a
24%
White
93%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)80-89%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)43.8%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiwassee Dam High School's ranking?
Hiwassee Dam High School is ranked #1575 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Hiwassee Dam High School often compared to?
Hiwassee Dam High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Murphy High School, Andrews High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Hiwassee Dam High School?
The graduation rate of Hiwassee Dam High School is 80-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Hiwassee Dam High School?
137 students attend Hiwassee Dam High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Hiwassee Dam High School students are White, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hiwassee Dam High School?
Hiwassee Dam High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hiwassee Dam High School offer ?
Hiwassee Dam High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Hiwassee Dam High School part of?
Hiwassee Dam High School is part of Cherokee County Schools.
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