Top Rankings
Clay County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Highest graduation rate (Top 20%)
For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public middle school serving 283 students in Clay County Schools. This district's average middle testing ranking is 7/10, which is in the top 50% of public middle schools in North Carolina.
Public Middle School in Clay County School have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (NC)
# Schools
4 Schools
879 Schools
# Students
1,301 Students
493,495 Students
# Teachers
91 Teachers
31,612 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
Clay County Schools, which is ranked within the top 30% of all 320 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 87% has increased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#97 out of 325 school districts
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
68%
63%
Graduation Rate
(21-22)75-79%
86%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.26
0.71
% American Indian
1%
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
9%
20%
% Black
1%
25%
% White
85%
44%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $12,883 is higher than the state median of $11,192. The school district revenue/student has grown by 10% over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,477 is higher than the state median of $11,617. The school district spending/student has grown by 6% over four school years.
Total Revenue
$17 MM
$17,307 MM
Spending
$16 MM
$17,964 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,883
$11,192
Spending / Student
$12,477
$11,617
Best Clay County Schools Public Middle Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hayesville Middle School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
135 School Drive
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-9924
Gr: 6-8 | 283 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Recent Articles
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
Extracurricular Sign‑Ups: How to Choose Clubs, Sports, & Activities
Expert guidance for students and parents on choosing extracurricular clubs, sports, and activities ahead of term start with updated 2026 perspectives.
