Rowan County Schools & Education
Rowan County, North Carolina
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
89.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,720
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
38/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#43
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore Rowan County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Rowan County, North Carolina
Thirty-Five Schools Serving Rowan County
Rowan County features a broad infrastructure of 35 public schools across two districts, serving 19,095 students. The system is comprised of 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This comprehensive network caters to a mix of suburban and rural communities.
Strong Graduation Success and State-Level Spend
Rowan County delivers an 89.0% graduation rate, beating both the North Carolina state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,720, closely approaching the state average of $6,969. The county achieves a school score of 52.4, which is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0.
The Rowan-Salisbury Schools System
The Rowan-Salisbury Schools district is the primary education provider, managing 33 schools and 18,225 students. Faith Academy, the county's single charter school, serves 601 students and adds diversity to the educational landscape. This streamlined district structure ensures consistent educational standards across the county.
A Balanced Suburban and Rural Experience
The county’s 35 schools are split almost evenly between rural (18) and suburban (17) settings. Average school size is 546 students, with large high schools like Carson and West Rowan serving over 1,100 students each. This balance offers families the choice between neighborhood suburban schools or quieter rural campuses.
Finding Your Place in Rowan County Schools
Rowan County's high graduation rate and strong school scores make it an attractive destination for home buyers. Areas near Salisbury or East Rowan offer a mix of suburban convenience and high-performing school zones. Use our school quality data to help identify the best neighborhood for your next move.
School Overview
Total Schools
35
in Rowan County
Total Enrollment
19,095
students
School Districts
2
districts
Charter Schools
1
3% of total
School Type Breakdown
2 School Districts in Rowan County
Rowan-Salisbury Schools
Faith Academy
35 Public Schools in Rowan County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,170 |
| West Rowan High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,113 |
| East Rowan High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,032 |
| Salisbury High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 959 |
| South Rowan High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 952 |
| Erwin Middle | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 759 |
| West Rowan Middle | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 648 |
| China Grove Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 618 |
| Faith Academy Charter School | Faith Academy | KG–8 | Charter | 601 |
| Landis Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 589 |
| North Rowan High | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 9–12 | High | 589 |
| West Rowan Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 570 |
| Millbridge Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 566 |
| Knollwood Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 565 |
| Granite Quarry Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 560 |
| Southeast Middle | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 559 |
| China Grove Middle | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 524 |
| Rockwell Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 519 |
| Hurley Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 518 |
| Koontz Elementary | Rowan-Salisbury Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 515 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,720
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Rowan County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Rowan County, North Carolina?
Rowan County features a broad infrastructure of 35 public schools across two districts, serving 19,095 students. The system is comprised of 20 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 8 high schools. This comprehensive network caters to a mix of suburban and rural communities.
How do schools in Rowan County perform academically?
Rowan County delivers an 89.0% graduation rate, beating both the North Carolina state average and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,720, closely approaching the state average of $6,969. The county achieves a school score of 52.4, which is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Rowan County, North Carolina?
The Rowan-Salisbury Schools district is the primary education provider, managing 33 schools and 18,225 students. Faith Academy, the county's single charter school, serves 601 students and adds diversity to the educational landscape. This streamlined district structure ensures consistent educational standards across the county.
What is the school experience like in Rowan County?
The county’s 35 schools are split almost evenly between rural (18) and suburban (17) settings. Average school size is 546 students, with large high schools like Carson and West Rowan serving over 1,100 students each. This balance offers families the choice between neighborhood suburban schools or quieter rural campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Rowan County, North Carolina?
Rowan County's high graduation rate and strong school scores make it an attractive destination for home buyers. Areas near Salisbury or East Rowan offer a mix of suburban convenience and high-performing school zones. Use our school quality data to help identify the best neighborhood for your next move.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.