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Below Average

#2075 of 2,648 schools in NC

Martins Creek Elementary/mid

Elementary School · Cherokee County Schools

1459 Tobe Stalcup Road, Murphy, NC 28906

Enrollment

190

Student-Teacher

14.6:1

Score

4.8

Grades

Pre-K – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,075 of 2,648

In Murphy

#10 of 10

public schools

In district

#13 of 13

Cherokee County Schools

School environment

7.5 / 10

Very Good

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Martins Creek Elementary/mid

4.8/10

Elementary School in Murphy · grades Pre-K – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Shepherd Academy

Nearby

4.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Murphy Adventist Christian School

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4.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Martins Creek Elementary/mid

Martins Creek Elementary/mid is a public elementary school in Murphy, NC, part of Cherokee County Schools. Martins Creek Elementary/mid serves approximately 190 students, and covers grades Pre-K-8th, and has a 14.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Martins Creek Elementary/mid has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,075 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Martins Creek Elementary/mid show 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares2.0 pts below district
  • This school 4.8 · Below Average
  • District avg 6.8
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 190 students, Martins Creek Elementary/mid 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.

Martins Creek Elementary/mid 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.

33% of students at Martins Creek Elementary/mid 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.0Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.37 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.1Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45.9% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency50.8% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-17.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.2 pts
Overall Proficiency48% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+1.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile44th
Resources & Environment7.5Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,303
Chronic Absenteeism32.6%

Martins Creek Elementary/mid — Students at Martins Creek Elementary/mid score 48% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

98.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 50.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
59.4% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 56.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
87%
ELA
77%
2010
Math
92%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
77%
2012
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2013
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
52%
2016
Math
57%
ELA
57%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
57%
2018
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2019
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2020*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
42.3%
ELA
48.8%
2025
Math
44.8%
ELA
51%

* 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: 3.0/10.

How Martins Creek Elementary/mid Compares

See how Martins Creek Elementary/mid performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.8/10
22th percentile in NC
Academic
6.1/10
Average
Growth
3.0/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.5/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
13 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1459 Tobe Stalcup Road, Murphy, NC 28906

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Martins Creek Elementary/mid may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Peachtree Elementary (rated 9.0/10, 6.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle (rated 8.7/10, 12.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hayesville Elementary (rated 8.3/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Hayesville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Murphy, see our Murphy schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 12.9 mi
School Distance Rating
SHEPHERD ACADEMY Murphy 4.2 mi
MURPHY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Murphy 4.2 mi
The Oaks Academy Murphy 4.3 mi 6.0
Tri-County Early College High Murphy 4.3 mi 7.8
Murphy Elementary Murphy 4.9 mi 7.1
Murphy High Murphy 5.6 mi 5.6
Murphy Middle Murphy 5.6 mi 5.7
Peachtree Elementary Murphy 6.5 mi 9.0
Union County Middle School Blairsville 10.5 mi 6.6
Union County High School Blairsville 10.5 mi 7.2
Union County Elementary School Blairsville 10.5 mi 7.4
Union County Primary School Blairsville 10.7 mi 6.1
Ranger Elementary/Middle Murphy 9.3 mi 6.0
MOUNTAIN AREA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Morganton 12.7 mi 6.2
CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hayesville 11.5 mi 5.9
Hayesville Middle Hayesville 11.5 mi 7.3
Hayesville High Hayesville 11.6 mi 6.6
Hayesville Elementary Hayesville 11.6 mi 8.3
Hayesville Primary School Hayesville 11.8 mi 6.9
Hiwassee Dam Elementary/Middle Murphy 12.9 mi 8.7

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
Achievement Charter Academy Fuquay-Varina, NC 4.8
Courtney Elementary Yadkinville, NC 4.8
District No 7 Elementary Wade, NC 4.8
Page Street Elementary Troy, NC 4.8
Tar Heel School Tar Heel, NC 4.8
Glade Creek Elementary Ennice, NC 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Martins Creek Elementary/mid

What grades does Martins Creek Elementary/mid serve?

Martins Creek Elementary/mid serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.

How many students attend Martins Creek Elementary/mid?

Martins Creek Elementary/mid has an enrollment of approximately 190 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Martins Creek Elementary/mid?

The student-teacher ratio at Martins Creek Elementary/mid is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Martins Creek Elementary/mid rank in NC?

Martins Creek Elementary/mid ranks #2,075 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Martins Creek Elementary/mid's MySchoolScout rating?

Martins Creek Elementary/mid has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 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 Martins Creek Elementary/mid?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Martins Creek Elementary/mid has 50% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Martins Creek Elementary/mid a charter school?

No, Martins Creek Elementary/mid is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Martins Creek Elementary/mid a Title I school?

No, Martins Creek Elementary/mid is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Martins Creek Elementary/mid?

98.4% of students at Martins Creek Elementary/mid qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
3 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
1 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
190
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
13
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Cherokee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.6%

District

Cherokee County Schools
District Enrollment
3,108
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,303
District Rank
#13 of 13

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