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 2025-26 school year, there is 1 public preschool serving 387 students in Clay County Schools.
Public Preschools in Clay County Schools have a diversity score of 0.28, which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 0.72.
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).
Overview
This School District
This State (NC)
# Schools
4 Schools
994 Schools
# Students
1,301 Students
464,055 Students
# Teachers
91 Teachers
33,275 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
0.72
% American Indian
1%
1%
% Asian
n/a
4%
% Hispanic
9%
23%
% Black
1%
25%
% White
85%
41%
% 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 $11,191. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $12,477 is higher than the state median of $11,616. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$17 MM
$17,307 MM
Spending
$16 MM
$17,964 MM
Revenue / Student
$12,883
$11,191
Spending / Student
$12,477
$11,616
Best Clay County Schools Public Preschools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: n/an/a
698 Anderson St
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-3763
Gr: PK-2 | 387 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.
