Murphy Elementary School

315 Valley River Avenue
Murphy, NC 28906
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 516 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Murphy Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 516 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50% in NC
  • : 56% (Top 50%)
  • : 49% (Top 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Murphy Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

School Overview

Murphy Elementary School's student population of 516 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
516 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers

School Rankings

Murphy Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Murphy Elementary School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#1151 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
56%
51%
49%
50%
60-64%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
4%
21%
Black
3%
25%
White
84%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.29
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
9%
7%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Murphy Elementary School's ranking?
Murphy Elementary School is ranked #1151 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Murphy Elementary School often compared to?
Murphy Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Martins Creek Elementary/mid, Ranger Elementary Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Murphy Elementary School?
516 students attend Murphy Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Murphy Elementary School students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Murphy Elementary School?
Murphy Elementary School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Murphy Elementary School offer ?
Murphy Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Murphy Elementary School part of?
Murphy Elementary School is part of Cherokee County Schools School District.

School Reviews

Review Murphy Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 516 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 13:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 16%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 56% (Top 50%)
  • : 49% (Top 50%)
  • : 60-64% (Top 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

Quick Links