For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public high schools serving 1,301 students in Forest City, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Forest City, NC are East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Rutherford Opportunity Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Forest City, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 57% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Forest City have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Forest City, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is equal to the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is East Rutherford High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High 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.
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 high schools in Forest City, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Forest City, NC include East Rutherford High School, Chase High School and Rutherford Opportunity Center.
How many public high schools are located in Forest City?
3 public high schools are located in Forest City.
What is the racial composition of students in Forest City?
Forest City public high schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Forest City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Forest City include: East Rutherford High School vs. Chase High School, Chase High School vs. East Rutherford High School
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