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 122 students in grades 6-8, Hiwassee Dam 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 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 122 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- 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 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 Middle School's student population of 122 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 30% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
122 students
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Year Founded
1939
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
Hiwassee Dam 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 Middle School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. 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
14:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
6%
22%
Black
1%
24%
White
88%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
97%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
13%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Cherokee County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Eagle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hiwassee Dam Middle School's ranking?
Hiwassee Dam 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 Middle School often compared to?
Hiwassee Dam Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Martins Creek Elementary School 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 Middle School?
122 students attend Hiwassee Dam Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Hiwassee Dam Middle School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Hiwassee Dam Middle School?
Hiwassee Dam Middle School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Hiwassee Dam Middle School offer ?
Hiwassee Dam Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Hiwassee Dam Middle School part of?
Hiwassee Dam Middle School is part of Cherokee County Schools.
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