Average
#1907 of 2,648 schools in NC
Rutherford Early College High School
High School · Rutherford County Schools
286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale, NC 28160
Enrollment
202
Student-Teacher
33.7:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
202
Student-Teacher
33.7:1
Score
5.5
Grades
9th – UG
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Spindale
#2 of 2
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#266 of 579
In district
#16 of 18
Rutherford County Schools
Equity
9.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Rutherford Early College High School
Rutherford Early College High School serves 202 students in grades 9 through undergraduate level in Spindale, North Carolina. This innovative public high school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 33.7:1 and employs 6 full-time equivalent teachers, offering students the unique opportunity to pursue college coursework alongside their high school education. The school demonstrates strong academic performance with a MySchoolScout rating of 8.1 out of 10 and ranks #294 out of 2,661 North Carolina schools, placing it in the 89th percentile statewide.
Students excel particularly in English Language Arts, with 88% achieving proficient or above levels, while 78% reach proficiency in mathematics. The school's impressive 9.7 out of 10 academic score reflects its commitment to preparing students for both high school graduation and college success. Located on ICC Loop Road, the school serves families in a community where the median household income is $38,170 and median home value is $113,100.
With 20% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a poverty rate of 14.6%, the school provides an important educational opportunity for students to advance their academic goals. Rutherford Early College High School sits in the small town setting of Spindale, offering students a close-knit learning environment within Rutherford County.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Rutherford Early College High School is 33.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Rutherford Early College High School — Students at Rutherford Early College High School score 74% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.5%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 5 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: 2.3/10.
How Rutherford Early College High School Compares
See how Rutherford Early College High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 74.5% (2019) to 58.8% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 84.5% (2019) to 88.2% (2025).
Location
286 ICC Loop Road, Spindale, NC 28160
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Rutherford Early College High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Chase High School (rated 7.2/10, 7.1 miles away, in nearby Forest City), which scores notably higher. Another option is Rutherford Opportunity Center (rated 5.5/10, 3.2 miles away, in nearby Forest City), with a very similar rating. Additionally, East Rutherford High School (rated 5.0/10, 5.4 miles away, in nearby Forest City), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Spindale, see our Spindale schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.3 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28160 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$38,625
Median Home Value
$121,300
Median Rent
$692/mo
Population
3,825
College Educated
14.9%
Homeownership
47.8%
Poverty Rate
15.1%
Median Age
46.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Rutherford Early College High School has a median household income of $38,625. It is a community where 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $121,300, with a median rent of $692/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| A&T Four Middle College Greensboro, NC | 5.5 |
| Community High School Swannanoa, NC | 5.5 |
| Turning Point Academy Charlotte, NC | 5.5 |
| Ashe County Early College High West Jefferson, NC | 5.6 |
| Cato Middle College High School Charlotte, NC | 5.4 |
| Columbia High Columbia, NC | 5.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rutherford Early College High School
What grades does Rutherford Early College High School serve?
Rutherford Early College High School serves students in grades 9th through UG.
How many students attend Rutherford Early College High School?
Rutherford Early College High School has an enrollment of approximately 202 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Rutherford Early College High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Rutherford Early College High School is 33.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Rutherford Early College High School rank in NC?
Rutherford Early College High School is ranked #1907 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Rutherford Early College High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Rutherford Early College High School has a composite rating of 5.5 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 Rutherford Early College High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Rutherford Early College High School has 76.1% math proficiency and 86.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Rutherford Early College High School a charter school?
No, Rutherford Early College High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Rutherford Early College High School a Title I school?
No, Rutherford Early College High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Rutherford Early College High School?
98.5% of students at Rutherford Early College 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
- County Safety
- Elevated (793/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – UG
- Enrollment
- 202
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 33.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 6
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.5%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Rutherford County
- Phone
- (828) 288-2202
- 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
- #16 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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