For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 2,150 students in Rutherford County, NC.
The top ranked public middle schools in Rutherford County, NC are Lake Lure Classical Academy, R-s Middle School and Chase Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rutherford County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Rutherford County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Rutherford County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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
Rank: #33.
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: #44.
East Rutherford Middle School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
259 East Church Street
Bostic, NC 28018
(828) 245-3750
Bostic, NC 28018
(828) 245-3750
Grades: 6-8
| 563 students
Rank: #55.
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 middle schools in Rutherford County, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Rutherford County, NC include Lake Lure Classical Academy, R-s Middle School and Chase Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Rutherford County?
5 public middle schools are located in Rutherford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rutherford County?
Rutherford County public middle schools minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Rutherford County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Rutherford County include: Chase Middle School vs. East Rutherford Middle School, R-s Middle School vs. East Rutherford Middle School, East Rutherford Middle School vs. Chase Middle School
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