Best 28043 North Carolina Public Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 3,421 students in 28043, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 7 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in 28043, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28043, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 28043 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 28043, NC 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 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 28043, NC Public Schools (2025-26)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Rutherford High School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
331 East High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-6424
Gr: 9-12 | 640 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #22.
Chase High School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1603 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5883
Gr: 9-12 | 625 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #44.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #55.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #66.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Chase Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
840 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Gr: 6-8 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #88.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Gr: 6-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 28043 North Carolina

28043, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
140 Old Carolean Road
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 28043, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28043, NC include East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28043?
8 public schools are located in 28043.
What percentage of students in 28043 go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in 28043 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28043?
28043 public schools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.

Quick Links