For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 3,295 students in Rutherford County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Rutherford County, NC are Pinnacle Elementary School, Sunshine Elementary School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rutherford County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Rutherford County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Rutherford County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: PK-5 | 254 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Sunshine Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
231 Toney Road
Bostic, NC 28018
(828) 245-0658
Bostic, NC 28018
(828) 245-0658
Gr: PK-5 | 217 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #33.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Gr: PK-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Gr: PK-5 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #66.
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
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #77.
Ellenboro Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
813 Piney Mountain Church Rd
Ellenboro, NC 28040
(828) 453-8185
Ellenboro, NC 28040
(828) 453-8185
Gr: PK-5 | 567 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #88.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Gr: PK-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #99.
Spindale Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
161 N Oak St
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-2861
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-2861
Gr: PK-5 | 337 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Rutherford County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Rutherford County, NC include Pinnacle Elementary School, Sunshine Elementary School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Rutherford County?
9 public preschools are located in Rutherford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rutherford County?
Rutherford County public preschools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Rutherford County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Rutherford County include: Ellenboro Elementary School vs. Forest City-dunbar Elementary School, Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School vs. Forest City-dunbar Elementary School, Forest City-dunbar Elementary School vs. Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
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