Murphy High School is a public high school in Murphy, North Carolina. It serves grades 9–12 and is one of only three high schools in the Cherokee County Schools system. The MHS campus is sandwiched between U.S. Route 19 and the Valley River.
Serving 424 students in grades 9-12, Murphy High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70-79% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 424 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 70-79% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Murphy High serves the northeast part of Murphy, NC, covering an area of approximately 217.7 square miles. Most families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 9.3 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance area, reaching up to 17.2 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Murphy High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Murphy High School's student population of 424 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 48% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
424 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering students to build successful futures.
School Rankings
Murphy High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Murphy High School is 0.35, 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
#500 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70-79%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
80%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥95%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)60.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
2%
3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murphy High School's ranking?
Murphy High School is ranked #500 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Murphy High School often compared to?
Murphy High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Andrews High School, Hiwassee Dam High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70-79% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Murphy High School?
The graduation rate of Murphy High School is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Murphy High School?
424 students attend Murphy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Murphy High School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Murphy High School?
Murphy High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Murphy High School offer ?
Murphy High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Murphy High School part of?
Murphy High School is part of Cherokee County Schools.
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