For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 7,003 students in Rowan County, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC are Rowan Co Early College, Carson High School and Faith Academy Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rowan County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Rowan County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Rowan County, 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 Rowan Co Early College, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Rowan County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Rowan Co Early College
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-79% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1333 Jake Alexander Blvd S
Salisbury, NC 28145
(704) 216-3873
Salisbury, NC 28145
(704) 216-3873
Gr: 9-12 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #22.
Carson High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
290 Kress Venture Dr
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 855-7297
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 855-7297
Gr: 9-12 | 1,135 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Faith Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
420 North Main Street
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 603-8437
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 603-8437
Gr: K-9 | 783 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #44.
East Rowan High School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
175 St Luke's Church Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-5232
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-5232
Gr: 9-12 | 1,072 student Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #55.
South Rowan High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1655 Patterson St
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 857-1161
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 857-1161
Gr: 9-12 | 989 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Salisbury High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
500 Lincolnton Rd
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 636-1221
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 636-1221
Gr: 9-12 | 1,014 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #77.
West Rowan High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8050 Nc 801 Hwy
Mount Ulla, NC 28125
(704) 278-9233
Mount Ulla, NC 28125
(704) 278-9233
Gr: 9-12 | 1,105 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #88.
North Rowan High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 North Whitehead Ave
Spencer, NC 28159
(704) 636-4420
Spencer, NC 28159
(704) 636-4420
Gr: 9-12 | 592 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #99.
Henderson High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1215 North Main St
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 639-3134
Gr: 6-12 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rowan County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
107 School St
Cleveland, NC 27013
(704) 278-2131
Cleveland, NC 27013
(704) 278-2131
Gr: K-5 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
925 North Enochville Ave
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 933-2534
China Grove, NC 28023
(704) 933-2534
Gr: K-5 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Essie Mae Kiser Foxx Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
729 N Long St
East Spencer, NC 28039
(704) 603-4460
East Spencer, NC 28039
(704) 603-4460
Gr: K-6 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
1000 School St
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 279-3195
Faith, NC 28041
(704) 279-3195
Gr: K-5 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
1625 Park Rd W
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 633-2922
Salisbury, NC 28144
(704) 633-2922
Gr: 6-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
1010 Airport Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 630-9200
Salisbury, NC 28147
(704) 630-9200
Gr: K-5 | 44 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
9055 School St
Woodleaf, NC 27054
(704) 278-2203
Woodleaf, NC 27054
(704) 278-2203
Gr: PK-5 | 342 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Rowan County, NC include Rowan Co Early College, Carson High School and Faith Academy Charter School.
How many public high schools are located in Rowan County?
9 public high schools are located in Rowan County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rowan County?
Rowan County public high schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Rowan County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Rowan County include: North Rowan High School vs. Salisbury High School, West Rowan High School vs. Salisbury High School, Henderson High School vs. Carson High School
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.