For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,927 students in Rutherfordton, NC (there are , serving 255 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Rutherfordton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Rutherfordton, NC are Pinnacle Elementary School, Rutherfordton Elementary School and R-s Central High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rutherfordton, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Rutherfordton have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Rutherfordton, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Pinnacle Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1204 Painters Gap Road
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3440
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3440
Grades: PK-5
| 227 students
Rank: #22.
Rutherfordton Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 Bob Hardin Road
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3778
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 287-3778
Grades: PK-5
| 391 students
Rank: #33.
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: #44.
R-s Middle School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
607 Westbrook Dr.
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-4461
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
(828) 286-4461
Grades: 6-8
| 559 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Rutherfordton, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Rutherfordton, NC include Pinnacle Elementary School, Rutherfordton Elementary School and R-s Central High School.
How many public schools are located in Rutherfordton?
4 public schools are located in Rutherfordton.
What percentage of students in Rutherfordton go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Rutherfordton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Rutherfordton?
Rutherfordton public schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Rutherfordton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Rutherfordton include: Pinnacle Elementary School vs. Rutherfordton Elementary School
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