For the 2025 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 7,519 students in Salisbury, NC (there are , serving 1,004 private students). 88% of all K-12 students in Salisbury, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Salisbury, NC are Rowan Co Early College, East Rowan High School and Salisbury High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salisbury, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Salisbury have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salisbury, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Rowan Co Early College
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S
Salisbury, NC 28145
(704) 216-3873
Salisbury, NC 28145
(704) 216-3873
Grades: 9-12
| 235 students
Rank: #22.
East Rowan High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
175 St Luke's Church Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-5232
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-5232
Grades: 9-12
| 1,072 students
Rank: #33.
Salisbury High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Lincolnton Rd
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 636-1221
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 636-1221
Grades: 9-12
| 1,014 students
Rank: #44.
West Rowan Middle School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
5925 Statesville Blvd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 633-4775
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 633-4775
Grades: 6-8
| 716 students
Rank: #55.
Erwin Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
170 St Luke's Church Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Grades: 6-8
| 812 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Isenberg Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2800 Jake Alexander Blvd N
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3009
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3009
Grades: PK-5
| 486 students
Rank: #6 - 76. - 7.
Summit Virtual Academy
(Math: 18% | Reading: 35%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1636 Parkview Circle
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 630-7274
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 630-7274
Grades: K-8
| 171 students
Rank: #88.
Southeast Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1570 Peeler Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Grades: 6-8
| 630 students
Rank: #99.
Knollwood Elementary School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3075 Shue Rd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 857-3400
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 857-3400
Grades: PK-5
| 546 students
Rank: #1010.
Overton Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1825 Park Rd W
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3000
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3000
Grades: K-5
| 271 students
Rank: #1111.
Hurley Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 25%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
625 Hurley School Rd
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3038
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 639-3038
Grades: PK-5
| 524 students
Rank: #1212.
Henderson High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1215 North Main St
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Grades: 6-12
| 78 students
Rank: #1313.
Koontz Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
685 East Ritchie Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Grades: PK-5
| 568 students
Rank: #1414.
Dole Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
465 Choate Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Grades: PK-5
| 396 students
Salisbury, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1625 Park Rd W
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 633-2922
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 633-2922
Grades: 6-8
| 514 students
1010 Airport Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 630-9200
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 630-9200
Grades: K-5
| 44 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Salisbury, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Salisbury, NC include Rowan Co Early College, East Rowan High School and Salisbury High School.
How many public schools are located in Salisbury?
14 public schools are located in Salisbury.
What percentage of students in Salisbury go to public school?
88% of all K-12 students in Salisbury are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Salisbury?
Salisbury public schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Salisbury are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Salisbury include: Erwin Middle School vs. Southeast Middle School, Overton Elementary School vs. Koontz Elementary School, West Rowan Middle School vs. Southeast 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.
