[2] Drug and tobacco use at MHS is “significantly higher” than at other schools in the district (83% versus 33%), according to a 2024 statewide teacher survey.

In addition, physical student conflict was observed by 61% of MHS teachers compared to 35% of educators across the district.

[6] The original Murphy High School building was located on the former Providence Hospital site.

[9] The current campus opened in 1957 on 219 acres as Murphy Senior High School.

[13] In May 2020, the Cherokee County Board of Education voted to consolidate Andrews, Murphy, and Hiwassee Dam High Schools.

In September 2022, a grant of $50 million was given to the school system for this purpose, but in January 2023 new members of the Cherokee County Board of Education voted to return the money instead.

[14] “Practically all of Murphy High School is in need of dramatic repairs and improvements or a complete replacement altogether,” the Cherokee Scout newspaper wrote in 2023.

[15] Murphy High was voted as the best school in Cherokee County in the Scout's 2023 Readers' Choice awards.