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 433 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 15:1 is equal to the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 433 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- 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%)
- 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
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Murphy High School's student population of 433 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
433 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
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 0.32, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#500 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-79%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
6%
21%
Black
3%
25%
White
82%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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%.
How many students attend Murphy High School?
433 students attend Murphy High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Murphy High School students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Murphy High School?
Murphy High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to 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 School District.
School Reviews
Review Murphy High 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
