For the 2025 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 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Rutherford County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Rutherford Early College High School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
286 Icc Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 288-2202
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 288-2202
Grades: 9-13
| 202 students
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
Lake Lure Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1058 Island Creek Rd.
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9292
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9292
Grades: K-12
| 449 students
Rank: #55.
R-s Central High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
641 Hwy 221 North
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3304
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3304
Grades: 9-12
| 750 students
Rank: #66.
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
Rutherford County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Carver Center (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
900 Carver St
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Grades: PK
| 206 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 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 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Rutherford County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Rutherford County include: East Rutherford High School vs. Chase High School, R-s Central High School vs. Chase High School, Chase High School vs. East Rutherford High School
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