For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public high schools serving 7,003 students in Rowan County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC are Rowan Co Early College, Carson High School and Faith Academy Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rowan County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Rowan County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Rowan County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Rowan Co Early College, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Rowan County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #22.
Carson High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
290 Kress Venture Dr
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 855-7297
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 855-7297
Gr: 9-12 | 1,063 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Faith Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 North Main Street
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 603-8437
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 603-8437
Gr: K-10 | 938 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 986 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #55.
South Rowan High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1655 Patterson St
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 857-1161
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 857-1161
Gr: 9-12 | 932 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 930 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #77.
West Rowan High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8050 Nc 801 Hwy
Mount Ulla, NC 28125
(704) 278-9233
Mount Ulla, NC 28125
(704) 278-9233
Gr: 9-12 | 988 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #88.
North Rowan High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 North Whitehead Ave
Spencer, NC 28159
(704) 636-4420
Spencer, NC 28159
(704) 636-4420
Gr: 9-12 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #99.
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
Gr: K-12 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #1010.
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
Gr: 6-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC include Rowan Co Early College, Carson High School and Faith Academy Charter School.
How many public high schools are located in Rowan County?
9 public high schools are located in Rowan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rowan County?
Rowan County public high schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Rowan County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Rowan County include: West Rowan High School vs. Salisbury High School, North Rowan High School vs. Salisbury High School, Carson High School vs. East Rowan High School
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