For the 2025-26 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 ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Middle Schools in Rutherford County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-12 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 559 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
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
Gr: 6-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rutherford County ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Carver Center (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
900 Carver St
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Gr: PK | 206 students Minority enrollment: 40%
140 Old Carolean Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Gr: K-2 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
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
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.