For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 2,156 students in 28043, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 28043, NC are Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School, Harris Elementary School and Forest City-dunbar Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28043 have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28043, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28043, NC Public Elementary Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #55.
Chase Middle School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
840 Chase High Rd
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 247-1043
Gr: 6-8 | 481 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #66.
Rutherford Opportunity Center
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
140 Old Caroleen Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-5294
Gr: 6-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
28043, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
140 Old Carolean Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Gr: K-2 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in 28043, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 28043, NC include Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School, Harris Elementary School and Forest City-dunbar Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28043?
6 public elementary schools are located in 28043.
What is the racial composition of students in 28043?
28043 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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