Average
#1028 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 39% in state
Hiwassee Dam High
High School · Cherokee County Schools
267 Blue Eagle Circle, Murphy, NC 28906
Enrollment
141
Student-Teacher
10.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
141
Student-Teacher
10.1:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,028 of 2,648
In Murphy
#5 of 10
public schools
In district
#5 of 13
Cherokee County Schools
School environment
8.3 / 10
Excellent
Shortlisting around Hiwassee Dam High?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Hiwassee Dam High
High School in Murphy · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hiwassee Dam Elementary/middle
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Ranger Elementary/middle
6.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Hiwassee Dam High
Hiwassee Dam High is a public high school in Murphy, NC, part of Cherokee County Schools. Hiwassee Dam High serves approximately 141 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 10.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Hiwassee Dam High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,028 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Hiwassee Dam High show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.9 · Average
- District avg 6.5
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
At 141 students, Hiwassee Dam High is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Hiwassee Dam High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
43% of students at Hiwassee Dam High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Hiwassee Dam High — Students at Hiwassee Dam High score 53% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.4/10.
How Hiwassee Dam High Compares
See how Hiwassee Dam High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
267 Blue Eagle Circle, Murphy, NC 28906
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Hiwassee Dam High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Copper Basin High School (rated 8.4/10, 11.0 miles away, in nearby Copperhill), which scores notably higher. Another option is Tri-County Early College High (rated 7.8/10, 14.7 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Fannin County High School (rated 6.8/10, 18.3 miles away, in nearby Blue Ridge), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Murphy, see our Murphy schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 18.3 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle Murphy | 0.1 mi | 8.7 |
| Ranger Elementary/Middle Murphy | 6.5 mi | 6.0 |
| MURPHY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Murphy | 9.6 mi | — |
| Coker Creek Elementary Tellico Plains | 11.4 mi | 5.4 |
| SHEPHERD ACADEMY Murphy | 10.1 mi | — |
| Copper Basin Elementary School Copperhill | 10.9 mi | 7.2 |
| Copper Basin High School Copperhill | 11.0 mi | 8.4 |
| Murphy Elementary Murphy | 11.0 mi | 7.1 |
| Murphy High Murphy | 11.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Murphy Middle Murphy | 11.8 mi | 5.7 |
| Martins Creek Elementary/Mid Murphy | 13.0 mi | 4.8 |
| East Fannin Elementary School Morganton | 15.4 mi | 6.4 |
| MOUNTAIN AREA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Morganton | 15.8 mi | 6.2 |
| West Fannin Elementary School Blue Ridge | 15.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Fannin County Middle School Blue Ridge | 16.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Blue Ridge Elementary School Blue Ridge | 17.3 mi | 6.4 |
| The Oaks Academy Murphy | 14.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Tri-County Early College High Murphy | 14.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Rural Vale Elementary Tellico Plains | 17.4 mi | 3.6 |
| Fannin County High School Blue Ridge | 18.3 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28906 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,669
Median Home Value
$219,800
Median Rent
$872/mo
Population
19,712
College Educated
24.4%
Homeownership
84%
Avg Commute
26.6 min
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Median Age
56.1
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC Wilmington, NC | 6.9 |
| Columbia High Columbia, NC | 6.9 |
| Weldon STEM High School Career Academies Weldon, NC | 6.9 |
| CITI High School Rocky Mount, NC | 7.0 |
| Southeast Halifax Collegiate Prep Academ Halifax, NC | 7.0 |
| Central Piedmont Early College Charlotte, NC | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hiwassee Dam High
What grades does Hiwassee Dam High serve?
Hiwassee Dam High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Hiwassee Dam High?
Hiwassee Dam High has an enrollment of approximately 141 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Hiwassee Dam High?
The student-teacher ratio at Hiwassee Dam High is 10.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Hiwassee Dam High rank in NC?
Hiwassee Dam High ranks #1,028 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Hiwassee Dam High's MySchoolScout rating?
Hiwassee Dam High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Hiwassee Dam High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Hiwassee Dam High has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 64% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Hiwassee Dam High a charter school?
No, Hiwassee Dam High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Hiwassee Dam High a Title I school?
No, Hiwassee Dam High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Hiwassee Dam High?
97.9% of students at Hiwassee Dam High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 141
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 14
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 97.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Cherokee County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 42.6%
- Phone
- (828) 644-5115
- 4-Year Graduation
- 90%+
Resources & Links
District
Cherokee County Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,108
- Schools in District
- 13
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,303
- District Rank
- #5 of 13
Other Schools in This District
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.