For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 3,319 students in 28146, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 9 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in 28146, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28146, NC are East Rowan High School, Erwin Middle School and Southeast Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28146 have an average math proficiency score of 24% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28146, NC have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28146, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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 | 986 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #22.
Erwin Middle School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
170 St Luke's Church Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 279-7265
Gr: 6-8 | 763 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Southeast Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1570 Peeler Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 638-5561
Gr: 6-8 | 628 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #44.
Koontz Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 18%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
685 East Ritchie Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 216-0273
Gr: PK-5 | 554 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #55.
Dole Elementary School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
465 Choate Rd
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Salisbury, NC 28146
(704) 639-3046
Gr: PK-5 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28146, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28146, NC include East Rowan High School, Erwin Middle School and Southeast Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 28146?
5 public schools are located in 28146.
What percentage of students in 28146 go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in 28146 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28146?
28146 public schools minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.