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Needs Improvement

#2560 of 2,648 schools in NC

North Rowan Middle

Middle School · Rowan-Salisbury Schools

512 Charles St, Spencer, NC 28159

Enrollment

564

Student-Teacher

16.1:1

Score

3.1

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,560 of 2,648

In Spencer

#2 of 3

public schools

In district

#23 of 32

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

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North Rowan Middle

3.1/10

Middle School in Spencer · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

North Rowan Elementary

2.9/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

North Rowan High

4.1/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About North Rowan Middle

North Rowan Middle is a public middle school in Spencer, NC, part of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. North Rowan Middle serves approximately 564 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. North Rowan Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10 and ranks #2,560 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for North Rowan Middle show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 3.1 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 3.4
  • NC avg 5.7

What Parents Should Know

North Rowan Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

33% of students at North Rowan Middle were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress2.9Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.4 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics2.1Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency20.1% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency27.9% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-37.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.3 pts
Overall Proficiency24% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-23.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile5th
Resources & Environment4.8Below Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,141
Chronic Absenteeism33.2%

North Rowan Middle — Students at North Rowan Middle score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 25.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.9% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 29.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.0% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
63%
ELA
48%
2010
Math
65%
ELA
52%
2011
Math
62%
ELA
51%
2012
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2013
Math
21%
ELA
29%
2014
Math
21%
ELA
26%
2015
Math
19%
ELA
28%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
28%
2017
Math
16%
ELA
23%
2018
Math
9%
ELA
22%
2019
Math
9%
ELA
22%
2020*
Math
15%
ELA
24%
2021*
Math
15%
ELA
24%
2022
Math
10.5%
ELA
20.3%
2025
Math
20.5%
ELA
28.3%

* 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: 2.9/10.

How North Rowan Middle Compares

See how North Rowan Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
3.1/10
3th percentile in NC
Academic
2.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.9/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.8/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
35 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
33.2%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

512 Charles St, Spencer, NC 28159

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering North Rowan Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Rowan Co Early College (rated 8.0/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. Another option is NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. Additionally, SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Spencer, see our Spencer schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 8.0 mi
School Distance Rating
North Rowan Elementary Spencer 0.2 mi 2.9
North Rowan High Spencer 0.4 mi 4.1
Dole Elementary Salisbury 2.3 mi 2.6
Henderson High Salisbury 2.4 mi 5.2
Overton Elementary Salisbury 2.7 mi 2.2
Summit Virtual Academy Salisbury 3.1 mi 6.3
NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salisbury 3.0 mi 7.6
ST JOHNS KINDERGARTEN Salisbury 3.3 mi
Salisbury High Salisbury 4.1 mi 2.6
SALISBURY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Salisbury 4.8 mi
Isenberg Elementary Salisbury 4.2 mi 5.3
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salisbury 4.5 mi 7.5
SALISBURY ACADEMY Salisbury 4.6 mi 5.2
Churchland Elementary Lexington 5.7 mi 5.2
Rowan Co Early College Salisbury 5.4 mi 8.0
Granite Quarry Elementary Granite Quarry 6.5 mi 4.0
Koontz Elementary Salisbury 6.6 mi 2.0
Erwin Middle Salisbury 7.4 mi 3.5
East Rowan High Salisbury 7.6 mi 5.6
Faith Academy Charter School Faith 8.0 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28159 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$63,396

Median Home Value

$160,300

Median Rent

$1,042/mo

Population

3,181

College Educated

22.5%

Homeownership

62%

Poverty Rate

12.9%

Median Age

43.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Northeast Middle Mint Hill, NC 3.1
Northern Granville Middle Oxford, NC 3.1
Philo-Hill Magnet Academy Winston-Salem, NC 3.1
G R Edwards Middle Rocky Mount, NC 3.2
Lumberton Junior Lumberton, NC 3.0
Paisley IB Magnet School Winston-Salem, NC 3.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about North Rowan Middle

What grades does North Rowan Middle serve?

North Rowan Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend North Rowan Middle?

North Rowan Middle has an enrollment of approximately 564 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at North Rowan Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at North Rowan Middle is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does North Rowan Middle rank in NC?

North Rowan Middle ranks #2,560 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is North Rowan Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

North Rowan Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.1 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at North Rowan Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, North Rowan Middle has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 30% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is North Rowan Middle a charter school?

No, North Rowan Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is North Rowan Middle a Title I school?

No, North Rowan Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Rowan Middle?

97.0% of students at North Rowan Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
10 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
564
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
35
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Rowan County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
33.2%

District

Rowan-Salisbury Schools
District Enrollment
18,110
Schools in District
32
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,141
District Rank
#23 of 32

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