For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,640 students in Rockingham, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 134 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Rockingham, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Rockingham, NC are Richmond Senior High School, L J Bell Elementary School and East Rockingham Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rockingham, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Rockingham have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Rockingham, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Richmond Senior High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
838 Us 1 North
Rockingham, NC 28380
(910) 997-9812
Rockingham, NC 28380
(910) 997-9812
Gr: 10-12 | 1,365 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
L J Bell Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
442 Hawthorne Ave
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9834
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9834
Gr: PK-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
East Rockingham Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
154 Chalk Road
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 557-0900
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 557-0900
Gr: K-5 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
Rockingham Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
415 Wall Street
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9827
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9827
Gr: 6-8 | 606 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #55.
West Rockingham Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
271 W Us 74 Hwy
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9802
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9802
Gr: PK-5 | 314 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #66.
Washington Street Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
566 E Washington St Ext
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9836
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9836
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #77.
Ashley Chapel Educational Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
377 Mizpah Road
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9800
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9800
Gr: 6-12 | 59 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Rockingham, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Rockingham, NC include Richmond Senior High School, L J Bell Elementary School and East Rockingham Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Rockingham?
7 public schools are located in Rockingham.
What percentage of students in Rockingham go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Rockingham are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Rockingham?
Rockingham public schools minority enrollment is 63% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Rockingham are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Rockingham include: Richmond Senior High School vs. Ashley Chapel Educational Center
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.