Below Average
#2326 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
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
564
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
4.5
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Spencer
#1 of 3
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#416 of 475
In district
#19 of 32
Rowan-Salisbury Schools
About North Rowan Middle
North Rowan Middle is a regular public middle school located in Spencer, North Carolina, in the rural setting of Rowan County. The school serves students from sixth through eighth grade and has an enrollment of 564 students. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16.1:1 and 35 full-time equivalent teachers, the school aims to provide individualized attention to its students.
Academically, North Rowan Middle is ranked at the 6th percentile among all schools in North Carolina, with a MySchoolScout Rating of 2.5 out of 10. Test scores indicate that 26% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts/Reading and 18% are proficient or above in Math. While these numbers suggest areas for improvement, the school is likely focusing on student development and growth.
North Rowan Middle is situated near the town of Spencer, offering a blend of rural charm and community support. The surrounding area provides students with a close-knit environment that fosters connections between families and educators.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at North Rowan Middle are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, North Rowan Middle 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
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
North Rowan Middle — Students at North Rowan Middle score 24% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
97%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 12 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 6.1/10.
How North Rowan Middle Compares
See how North Rowan Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 9% (2019) to 20.1% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 22% (2019) to 27.9% (2025).
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. NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 7.6/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. Another option is SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL (rated 7.5/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Salisbury), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Henderson High (rated 7.1/10, 2.4 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 | 3.5 |
| North Rowan High Spencer | 0.4 mi | 4.3 |
| Dole Elementary Salisbury | 2.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Henderson High Salisbury | 2.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Overton Elementary Salisbury | 2.7 mi | 3.3 |
| Summit Virtual Academy Salisbury | 3.1 mi | 4.7 |
| NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salisbury | 3.0 mi | 7.6 |
| ST JOHNS KINDERGARTEN Salisbury | 3.3 mi | — |
| Salisbury High Salisbury | 4.1 mi | 3.7 |
| SALISBURY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Salisbury | 4.8 mi | — |
| Isenberg Elementary Salisbury | 4.2 mi | 6.6 |
| SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL Salisbury | 4.5 mi | 7.5 |
| SALISBURY ACADEMY Salisbury | 4.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Churchland Elementary Lexington | 5.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Rowan Co Early College Salisbury | 5.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Granite Quarry Elementary Granite Quarry | 6.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Koontz Elementary Salisbury | 6.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Erwin Middle Salisbury | 7.4 mi | 5.3 |
| East Rowan High Salisbury | 7.6 mi | 3.8 |
| Faith Academy Charter School Faith | 8.0 mi | 5.7 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding North Rowan Middle has a median household income of $63,396. It is a community where 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $160,300, with a median rent of $1,042/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.9%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| J E Holmes Middle Eden, NC | 4.5 |
| Lakeshore Middle Mooresville, NC | 4.5 |
| North Iredell Middle Olin, NC | 4.5 |
| Northwest Middle Winston-Salem, NC | 4.5 |
| Ranson Middle Charlotte, NC | 4.5 |
| Red Springs Middle Red Springs, NC | 4.5 |
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 is ranked #2326 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is North Rowan Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
North Rowan Middle has a composite rating of 4.5 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 North Rowan Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, North Rowan Middle has 17.7% math proficiency and 26.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Average (524/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (704) 639-3018
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Rowan-Salisbury Schools- District Enrollment
- 18,110
- Schools in District
- 32
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,141
- District Rank
- #19 of 32
Other Schools in This District
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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.