For the 2025 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,421 students in Forest City, NC (there are , serving 7 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Forest City, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Forest City, NC are East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest City, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Forest City have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Forest City, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
East Rutherford High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
331 East High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Grades: 9-12
| 640 students
Rank: #22.
Chase High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1603 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Grades: 9-12
| 625 students
Rank: #33.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Grades: PK-5
| 406 students
Rank: #44.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Grades: PK-5
| 440 students
Rank: #55.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Grades: PK-5
| 487 students
Rank: #66.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Grades: PK-5
| 244 students
Rank: #77.
Chase Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
840 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Grades: 6-8
| 481 students
Rank: #88.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Grades: 6-12
| 98 students
Forest City, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
140 Old Carolean Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Grades: K-2
| 243 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Forest City, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Forest City, NC include East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Forest City?
8 public schools are located in Forest City.
What percentage of students in Forest City go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Forest City are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Forest City?
Forest City public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Forest City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Forest City include: East Rutherford High School vs. Chase High School, Chase High School vs. East Rutherford High School, Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School vs. Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.