For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,369 students in Forest City, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 7 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Forest City, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Forest City, NC are East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest City, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Forest City have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Forest City, NC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Rutherford High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
331 East High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Gr: 9-12 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #22.
Chase High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1603 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Gr: 9-12 | 596 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #33.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Gr: PK-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Gr: PK-5 | 434 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #55.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Gr: PK-5 | 459 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #66.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Gr: PK-5 | 231 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Chase Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
840 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Gr: 6-8 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #88.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Gr: 6-12 | 82 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Forest City, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
140 Old Carolean Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Gr: K-2 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Forest City, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Forest City, NC include East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Forest City?
8 public schools are located in Forest City.
What percentage of students in Forest City go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Forest City are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Forest City?
Forest City public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Forest City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Forest City include: East Rutherford High School vs. Chase High School, Chase High School vs. East Rutherford High School, Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School vs. Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
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