Rowan County Schools & Education
Rowan County, North Carolina
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool 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
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#43
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Rowan County
School Verdict
Rowan County faces educational challenges with a school score of 38/100 and a graduation rate of 89.0%, falling below typical benchmarks.
Funding Context
At $6,720 per pupil, Rowan County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Rowan County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 6% below the North Carolina average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 4% lower than the state norm.
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
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
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
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Rowan County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Rowan County?
How much does Rowan County spend per student?
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.
Counties with Similar School Profile
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.