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Very Good

#529 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 20% in state

Tri-county Early College High

High School · Cherokee County Schools

Tri-County Early College High 4700 East US 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906

Enrollment

153

Student-Teacher

15.3:1

Score

7.8

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#529 of 2,648

In Murphy

#3 of 10

public schools

In district

#3 of 13

Cherokee County Schools

Equity

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Tri-county Early College High

7.8/10

High School in Murphy · grades 9th – UG. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

The Oaks Academy

6.0/10

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

Peachtree Elementary

9.0/10

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

About Tri-county Early College High

Tri-county Early College High is a public high school in Murphy, NC, part of Cherokee County Schools. Tri-county Early College High serves approximately 153 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 15.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Tri-county Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 out of 10 and ranks #529 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Tri-county Early College High show 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.3 pts above district
  • This school 7.8 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.5
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

At 153 students, Tri-county Early College 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.

Tri-county Early College 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.

32% of students at Tri-county Early College 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 metrics
Student Progress8.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.66 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.8Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency85.7% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency90.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+29.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+36.9 pts
Overall Proficiency88% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+41.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile97th
College Readiness6.1Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation0.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.0Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,303
Chronic Absenteeism32%

Tri-county Early College High — Students at Tri-county Early College High score 88% 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%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 66.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 77.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2010
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
54.5%
ELA
64.5%
2013
Math
64.5%
ELA
69.5%
2014
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2015
Math
64.5%
ELA
64.5%
2016
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2017
Math
10%
ELA
84.5%
2018
Math
64.5%
ELA
69.5%
2019
Math
64.5%
ELA
69.5%
2020*
Math
69.5%
ELA
74.5%
2021*
Math
69.5%
ELA
74.5%
2025
Math
85.7%
ELA
90.5%

* 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: 8.6/10.

How Tri-county Early College High Compares

See how Tri-county Early College High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.8/10
80th percentile in NC
Academic
9.8/10
Excellent
Growth
8.6/10
Excellent
Environment
7.0/10
Very Good
AP Courses
1
State avg: 3
Sports
11
5 boys' · 6 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
98%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
32.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
0.7% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics11sports offered
5 boys'·6 girls'·11 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

Tri-County Early College High 4700 East US 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Tri-county Early College High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Union County High School (rated 7.2/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Blairsville), with a comparable rating. Another option is Hayesville High (rated 6.6/10, 8.8 miles away, in nearby Hayesville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Andrews High (rated 6.4/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Andrews), a more accessible option. For more schools in Murphy, see our Murphy schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 13.1 mi
School Distance Rating
The Oaks Academy Murphy 0.0 mi 6.0
Peachtree Elementary Murphy 2.2 mi 9.0
Murphy Middle Murphy 3.6 mi 5.7
Murphy High Murphy 3.7 mi 5.6
Murphy Elementary Murphy 3.9 mi 7.1
Martins Creek Elementary/Mid Murphy 4.3 mi 4.8
SHEPHERD ACADEMY Murphy 4.6 mi
MURPHY ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Murphy 5.1 mi
CAROLINA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Hayesville 8.5 mi 5.9
Hayesville Middle Hayesville 8.7 mi 7.3
Hayesville High Hayesville 8.8 mi 6.6
Hayesville Elementary Hayesville 8.8 mi 8.3
Hayesville Primary School Hayesville 9.0 mi 6.9
Union County High School Blairsville 12.9 mi 7.2
Union County Middle School Blairsville 13.0 mi 6.6
Union County Elementary School Blairsville 13.0 mi 7.4
Union County Primary School Blairsville 13.1 mi 6.1
Andrews High Andrews 12.1 mi 6.4
Andrews Elementary Andrews 12.2 mi 5.3
Andrews Middle Andrews 13.1 mi 6.0

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
Crossroads FLEX Cary, NC 7.8
Levine Middle College High Sch Mathews, NC 7.8
Mayland Early College Spruce Pine, NC 7.8
Merancas Middle College-CPCC Huntersville, NC 7.8
STEM Early College @ NC A&T SU Greensboro, NC 7.8
Davie County Early College High Mocksville, NC 7.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tri-county Early College High

What grades does Tri-county Early College High serve?

Tri-county Early College High serves students in grades 9th through UG.

How many students attend Tri-county Early College High?

Tri-county Early College High has an enrollment of approximately 153 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Tri-county Early College High?

The student-teacher ratio at Tri-county Early College High is 15.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Tri-county Early College High rank in NC?

Tri-county Early College High ranks #529 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Tri-county Early College High's MySchoolScout rating?

Tri-county Early College High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.8 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 Tri-county Early College High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Tri-county Early College High has 67% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 78% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Tri-county Early College High a charter school?

No, Tri-county Early College High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Tri-county Early College High a Title I school?

No, Tri-county Early College High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Tri-county Early College High?

98.0% of students at Tri-county Early College 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
7 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
13 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
153
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
98.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Cherokee County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
32.0%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

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

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