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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Rutherford County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 2,764 students in Rutherford County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Rutherford County, NC are Rutherford Early College High School, East Rutherford High School and Chase High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rutherford County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Rutherford County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Rutherford County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Rutherford High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Rutherford County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rutherford Early College High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
286 Icc Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 288-2202
Gr: 9-13 | 208 students Student-teacher ratio: 52:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
East Rutherford High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
331 East High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Gr: 9-12 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Chase High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1603 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Gr: 9-12 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Lake Lure Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1058 Island Creek Rd.
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9292
Gr: K-12 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #55.
R-s Central High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
641 Hwy 221 North
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3304
Gr: 9-12 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #66.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Gr: 6-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 29%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Rutherford County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Rutherford County, NC include Rutherford Early College High School, East Rutherford High School and Chase High School.
How many public high schools are located in Rutherford County?
6 public high schools are located in Rutherford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rutherford County?
Rutherford County public high schools minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Rutherford County are often viewed compared to one another?

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