Isothermal Community College is a public community college in Spindale, North Carolina. Named after its location in the thermal belt, an area in the foothills of Western North Carolina with significantly ...
Serving 208 students in grades 9-13, Rutherford Early College High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-89% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 208 students
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Rutherford Early College High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Spindale, NC, covering approximately 567.2 square miles. Families typically face a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being about 13.7 miles and the furthest edge located 20.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Rutherford Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Rutherford Early College High School's student population of 208 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 4 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
208 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1964
School Calendar
School Rankings
Rutherford Early College High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Rutherford Early College High School is 0.46, 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
#76 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)80-89%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
50%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
63%
Asian
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
14%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
White
72%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)24.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 20-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rutherford Early College High School's ranking?
Rutherford Early College High School is ranked #76 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-89% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 80-89% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Rutherford Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Rutherford Early College High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Rutherford Early College High School?
208 students attend Rutherford Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Rutherford Early College High School students are White, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Black.
What grades does Rutherford Early College High School offer ?
Rutherford Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Rutherford Early College High School part of?
Rutherford Early College High School is part of Rutherford County Schools.
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