Rutherfordton-Spindale Middle School is a historic school building located in Rutherfordton, Rutherford County, North Carolina. It was designed by architect Hugh Edward White and built in 1924–1925. It is a three-story, "L"-plan, Classical Revival-style red brick building.
Serving 561 students in grades 6-8, R-s Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 48% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50% (which is equal to the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 561 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 77% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: R-S Middle School serves the west part of Rutherfordton, NC, covering an attendance area of approximately 279.4 square miles. The typical drive to the school for students within the zone ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, with the furthest edge located about 19.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
R-s Middle School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
School Overview
R-s Middle School's student population of 561 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
561 students
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Year Founded
1925
School Calendar
School Rankings
R-s Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of R-s Middle School is 0.52, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1324 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)48%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
9%
22%
Black
14%
24%
White
67%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
10%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.9%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is R-s Middle School's ranking?
R-s Middle School is ranked #1324 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are R-s Middle School often compared to?
R-s Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East Rutherford Middle School, Chase Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
48% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend R-s Middle School?
561 students attend R-s Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of R-s Middle School students are White, 14% of students are Black, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 9% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of R-s Middle School?
R-s Middle School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does R-s Middle School offer ?
R-s Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is R-s Middle School part of?
R-s Middle School is part of Rutherford County Schools.
School Reviews
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