Serving 353 students in grades 6-8, Murphy Middle School ranks in the top 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 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 57% (which is higher than 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 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 353 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 15%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 85-89% (Top 10%)
- Attendance Zone: Murphy Middle serves the northern part of its school district in Murphy, NC, covering an area of approximately 188 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15 to 20 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the zone being about 9.5 miles and the furthest edge located 17.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Murphy Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Murphy Middle School's student population of 353 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
353 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Murphy Middle 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 Middle School is 0.27, 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
#1096 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)48%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
85-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
5%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Black
2%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
White
85%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-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 31-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)41.9%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 31-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
6%
3%
Showing 2010–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Murphy Middle School's ranking?
Murphy Middle School is ranked #1096 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 57% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Murphy Middle School?
353 students attend Murphy Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
85% of Murphy Middle School students are White, 6% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Murphy Middle School?
Murphy Middle School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Murphy Middle School offer ?
Murphy Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Murphy Middle School part of?
Murphy Middle School is part of Cherokee County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
This is my child's first year here. We moved here from a bigger city. Murphy Middle School does have great teachers who care about their students. However, my child has told me on numerous occasions that they have had assemblies focused on religious ideologies. The bus has gotten canceled and parents were never notified. Their math cirrcullium is 3 years behind where we moved from. The technology that is available, is also very out dated. Plus, there are limited sports programs to choose from.
1 10/10/2025
Murphy Middle School lacks certain details and assets that which most schools state and country wide have. This school only has one bathroom, not to mention the lack of modern technology, clean food, air conditioner, academia, good teachers, and sports programs. Also, the fact that Murphy Middle is far behind on its education system, and they lack common discipline skills. They once even had a student who threatened at least a dozen pupils and teachers, but yet little to none discipline actions were done in the cause of this threat. The only good thing about this school is the Christian program called FCA and 8th grade history teacher Mrs. Smith. Besides that this school is at most a D- institution.
Review Murphy Middle 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
Recent Articles
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
