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Below Average

#2314 of 2,648 schools in NC

South Rowan High

High School · Rowan-Salisbury Schools

1655 Patterson St, China Grove, NC 28023

Enrollment

989

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

4.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,314 of 2,648

In China Grove

#5 of 6

public schools

In district

#16 of 32

Rowan-Salisbury Schools

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South Rowan High

4.2/10

High School in China Grove · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Landis Elementary

8.2/10

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

China Grove Elementary

3.6/10

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

About South Rowan High

South Rowan High is a public high school in China Grove, NC, part of Rowan-Salisbury Schools. South Rowan High serves approximately 989 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. South Rowan High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 out of 10 and ranks #2,314 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for South Rowan High show 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.2 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.0
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

52% of students at South Rowan High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.5Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-2.22 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics4.0Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency37% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency38.2% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-19 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-15.4 pts
Overall Proficiency38% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-9.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile21th
College Readiness6.2Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate88%
AP Participation11.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,141
Chronic Absenteeism51.5%

South Rowan High — Students at South Rowan High score 38% 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

96.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 33.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 43.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 28 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
73%
ELA
56%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
54%
2011
Math
71%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
19%
ELA
39%
2013
Math
18%
ELA
44%
2014
Math
26%
ELA
45%
2015
Math
22%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
26%
ELA
39%
2017
Math
0.5%
ELA
33%
2018
Math
26%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
26%
ELA
32%
2020*
Math
27%
ELA
38%
2021*
Math
27%
ELA
38%
2025
Math
37%
ELA
38.2%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How South Rowan High Compares

See how South Rowan High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.2/10
13th percentile in NC
Academic
4.0/10
Below Average
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3
Sports
23
11 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
56 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
51.5%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
11.4% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics23sports offered
11 boys'·12 girls'·30 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

1655 Patterson St, China Grove, NC 28023

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Rowan High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Carson High (rated 6.6/10, 3.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, A L Brown High (rated 3.7/10, 5.3 miles away, in nearby Kannapolis), with a comparable rating. For more schools in China Grove, see our China Grove schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Landis Elementary Landis 1.4 mi 8.2
China Grove Elementary China Grove 1.4 mi 3.6
Corriher Lipe Middle Landis 1.9 mi 4.1
China Grove Middle China Grove 2.3 mi 4.3
Millbridge Elementary China Grove 3.3 mi 6.8
Knollwood Elementary Salisbury 3.6 mi 3.0
NORTH KANNAPOLIS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kannapolis 4.3 mi 7.1
Carson High China Grove 3.7 mi 6.6
North Kannapolis Elementary Kannapolis 4.5 mi 5.2
Jackson Park Elementary Kannapolis 4.8 mi 7.5
A L Brown High Kannapolis 5.3 mi 3.7
FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Kannapolis 5.5 mi 5.3
GW Carver Elementary Kannapolis 5.5 mi 7.5
Bostian Elementary China Grove 5.1 mi 7.2
Fred L Wilson Elementary Kannapolis 5.7 mi 4.4
NEHEMIAH ENRICHMENT ACADEMY Salisbury 5.8 mi
Forest Park Elementary Kannapolis 6.4 mi 4.4
Shady Brook Elementary Kannapolis 7.1 mi 3.8
Royal Oaks Elementary Kannapolis 7.4 mi 8.4
Southeast Middle Salisbury 6.2 mi 2.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28023 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$62,064

Median Home Value

$209,700

Median Rent

$942/mo

Population

15,255

College Educated

18.1%

Homeownership

79.5%

Avg Commute

26 min

Poverty Rate

13.6%

Median Age

41.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
John M Morehead High Eden, NC 4.2
South Columbus High Tabor City, NC 4.2
SouthWest Edgecombe High Pinetops, NC 4.2
Bethany Community School Summerfield, NC 4.3
East Gaston High Mount Holly, NC 4.3
Granville Central High Stem, NC 4.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Rowan High

What grades does South Rowan High serve?

South Rowan High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South Rowan High?

South Rowan High has an enrollment of approximately 989 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Rowan High?

The student-teacher ratio at South Rowan High is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Rowan High rank in NC?

South Rowan High ranks #2,314 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is South Rowan High's MySchoolScout rating?

South Rowan High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.2 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 South Rowan High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, South Rowan High has 34% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 43% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is South Rowan High a charter school?

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

Is South Rowan High a Title I school?

No, South Rowan High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Rowan High?

96.6% of students at South Rowan High 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
7 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
20 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
989
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
56
Free/Reduced Lunch
96.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Rowan County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
51.5%
4-Year Graduation
88.0%

District

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

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