For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,954 students in 28574, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 489 private students). 86% of all K-12 students in 28574, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28574, NC are Richlands High School, Heritage Elementary School and Richlands Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28574 have an average math proficiency score of 45% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 43% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28574, NC have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28574, NC Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Richlands High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
8100 Richlands Hwy
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4191
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4191
Grades: 9-12
| 1,043 students
Rank: #22.
Heritage Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
7444 Richlands Highway
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-3139
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-3139
Grades: K-5
| 532 students
Rank: #33.
Richlands Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
415 Cow Horn Road
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4142
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4142
Grades: K-5
| 620 students
Rank: #44.
Trexler Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
112 East Foy Street
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4414
Richlands, NC 28574
(910) 324-4414
Grades: 6-8
| 759 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28574, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28574, NC include Richlands High School, Heritage Elementary School and Richlands Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28574?
4 public schools are located in 28574.
What percentage of students in 28574 go to public school?
86% of all K-12 students in 28574 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28574?
28574 public schools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.

What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.

“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.