For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,620 students in Cherokee County, NC.
The top ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, NC are Peachtree Elementary School, Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School and Murphy Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cherokee County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Cherokee County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Cherokee County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Peachtree Elementary School
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
30 Upper Peachtree Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2479
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2479
Gr: PK-5 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
337 Blue Eagle Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5115
Gr: PK-8 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Murphy Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
315 Valley River Avenue
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2424
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2424
Gr: PK-5 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
Ranger Elementary Middle School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
101 Hardy Truett Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5111
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 644-5111
Gr: PK-8 | 277 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #55.
Martins Creek Elementary/mid
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1459 Tobe Stalcup Road
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2831
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-2831
Gr: PK-8 | 190 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Andrews Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
205 Jean Christy Ave.
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-4415
Andrews, NC 28901
(828) 321-4415
Gr: PK-5 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Cherokee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2230 Airport Road
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-5485
Marble, NC 28905
(828) 837-5485
Gr: PK-5 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, NC?
The top ranked public preschools in Cherokee County, NC include Peachtree Elementary School, Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School and Murphy Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Cherokee County?
6 public preschools are located in Cherokee County.
What is the racial composition of students in Cherokee County?
Cherokee County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Cherokee County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Cherokee County include: Ranger Elementary Middle School vs. Martins Creek Elementary/mid, Murphy Elementary School vs. Martins Creek Elementary/mid, Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School vs. Martins Creek Elementary/mid
Recent Articles
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.