Hiwassee Dam High School in Murphy, North Carolina serves grades 9–12 and is one of three high schools in Cherokee County Schools. It is the westernmost public school in the state of North Carolina. As of 2007 it had a full-time teaching staff of 20 teachers giving an average of 11 students per teacher.
Serving 121 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 13% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 121 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 13%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School's student population of 121 students has declined by 27% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
121 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Year Founded
1939
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
Hiwassee Dam Elementary 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 Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School is 0.24, 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
#863 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)60-64%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
3%
21%
Black
n/a
25%
White
87%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School's ranking?
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School is ranked #863 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School often compared to?
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Martins Creek Elementary/mid by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School?
121 students attend Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School students are White, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School?
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School offer ?
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School part of?
Hiwassee Dam Elementary Middle School is part of Cherokee County Schools School District.
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