Average
#2154 of 2,648 schools in NC
East Rutherford High School
High School · Rutherford County Schools
PO Box 668, Forest City, NC 28043
Enrollment
640
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
640
Student-Teacher
14.2:1
Score
5.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Forest City
#8 of 8
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#357 of 579
In district
#17 of 18
Rutherford County Schools
School environment
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About East Rutherford High School
East Rutherford High School serves 640 students in grades 9-12 in Forest City, North Carolina, operating as a regular public school in Rutherford County. With 45 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 14.2:1, allowing for more individualized attention in the classroom. The school demonstrates solid academic performance, earning a 7.1 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and ranking #712 out of 2,661 schools statewide, placing it in the 73rd percentile among North Carolina high schools.
Students show consistent achievement across core subjects, with 56% reaching proficiency or above in English Language Arts and Reading, and 54% meeting proficiency standards in Mathematics. East Rutherford High School serves a diverse community where the median household income is $43,770 and median home values average $150,000. The surrounding area reflects a mix of economic backgrounds, with 17% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher.
Despite economic challenges facing some families, with a poverty rate of 26.7%, the school continues to support student success across all demographics. The school is situated in a rural area near the town of Forest City, providing students with a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to educational resources and opportunities.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, East Rutherford High School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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East Rutherford High School — Students at East Rutherford High School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.6/10.
How East Rutherford High School Compares
See how East Rutherford High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 47% (2019) to 42.3% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 52% (2019) to 56.2% (2025).
Location
PO Box 668, Forest City, NC 28043
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering East Rutherford High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Chase High School (rated 7.2/10, 6.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rutherford Opportunity Center (rated 5.5/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Rutherford Early College High School (rated 5.5/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Spindale), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Forest City, see our Forest City schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.7 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28043 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$41,746
Median Home Value
$176,100
Median Rent
$744/mo
Population
20,896
College Educated
17.9%
Homeownership
64.2%
Avg Commute
24.4 min
Poverty Rate
23.8%
Median Age
40.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding East Rutherford High School has a median household income of $41,746. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $176,100, with a median rent of $744/month. The area has a poverty rate of 23.8%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Louisburg Magnet High Louisburg, NC | 5.0 |
| Owen High Black Mountain, NC | 5.0 |
| T Wingate Andrews High High Point, NC | 5.0 |
| Union High Rose Hill, NC | 5.0 |
| Eastern Wayne High Goldsboro, NC | 5.1 |
| Hendersonville High Hendersonville, NC | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about East Rutherford High School
What grades does East Rutherford High School serve?
East Rutherford High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend East Rutherford High School?
East Rutherford High School has an enrollment of approximately 640 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at East Rutherford High School?
The student-teacher ratio at East Rutherford High School is 14.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does East Rutherford High School rank in NC?
East Rutherford High School is ranked #2154 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is East Rutherford High School's MySchoolScout rating?
East Rutherford High School has a composite rating of 5.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at East Rutherford High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, East Rutherford High School has 50.4% math proficiency and 51.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is East Rutherford High School a charter school?
No, East Rutherford High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is East Rutherford High School a Title I school?
No, East Rutherford High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for East Rutherford High School?
98.8% of students at East Rutherford High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (5,858/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Forest City). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 640
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Rutherford County
- Phone
- (828) 245-6424
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rutherford County Schools- District Enrollment
- 7,409
- Schools in District
- 18
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,515
- District Rank
- #17 of 18
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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