For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 1,548 students in Richmond County, NC.
The top ranked public middle schools in Richmond County, NC are Ellerbe Middle School, Rockingham Middle School and Hamlet Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Richmond County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Richmond County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Richmond County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Ellerbe Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
128 W Ballard Street
Ellerbe, NC 28338
(910) 582-7925
Ellerbe, NC 28338
(910) 582-7925
Grades: 6-8
| 202 students
Rank: #22.
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
Grades: 6-8
| 590 students
Rank: #33.
Hamlet Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1406 Mcdonald Ave
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 582-7903
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 582-7903
Grades: 6-8
| 409 students
Rank: #44.
Cordova Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
194 Church St
Cordova, NC 28330
(910) 997-9839
Cordova, NC 28330
(910) 997-9839
Grades: 6-8
| 254 students
Rank: #55.
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
Grades: 6-12
| 93 students
Richmond County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
377 Mispah Rd
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9797
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9797
Grades: 4-6
| 132 students
Cordova School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
194 Church St
Cordova, NC 28330
(910) 997-9805
Cordova, NC 28330
(910) 997-9805
Grades: PK-12
| 98 students
106 Thompson St
Hoffman, NC 28347
(910) 281-3454
Hoffman, NC 28347
(910) 281-3454
Grades: PK-6
| 161 students
Richmond County Transitional High School (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
112 Mary Wall Rd
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9797
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9797
Grades: 9-12
| 69 students
269 Cartledge Creek Rd
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9196
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9196
Grades: Inquire with school
| n/a students
804 County Home Road
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 582-7800
Hamlet, NC 28345
(910) 582-7800
Grades: PK-3
| 468 students
124 Roberdel Sch Rd
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9810
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9810
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
102 Safie Sixth St
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9824
Rockingham, NC 28379
(910) 997-9824
Grades: PK-3
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Richmond County, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Richmond County, NC include Ellerbe Middle School, Rockingham Middle School and Hamlet Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Richmond County?
5 public middle schools are located in Richmond County.
What is the racial composition of students in Richmond County?
Richmond County public middle schools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Richmond County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Richmond County include: Cordova Middle School vs. Ellerbe Middle School, Ellerbe Middle School vs. Hamlet Middle School, Hamlet Middle School vs. Ellerbe Middle 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.