For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,975 students in Rutherfordton, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 134 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Rutherfordton, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Rutherfordton, NC (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.
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: #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
Gr: 9-12 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 561 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
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?
94% of all K-12 students in Rutherfordton are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
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 58% (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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