For the 2026 school year, there is 1 public charter school serving 449 students in Rutherford County, NC.
The top-ranked public charter school in Rutherford County, NC is Lake Lure Classical Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Rutherford County, NC public charter school have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public charter school average of 55%), and reading proficiency score of 62% (versus the 59% statewide average). Charter schools in Rutherford County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public charter schools.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter school average of 53% (majority Black).
Best Public Charter Schools in Rutherford County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lake Lure Classical Academy
Charter School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1058 Island Creek Rd.
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9292
Lake Lure, NC 28746
(828) 625-9292
Gr: K-12 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rutherford County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Carver Center (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
900 Carver St
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3901
Gr: PK | 206 students Minority enrollment: 40%
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 charter schools in Rutherford County, NC?
The top-ranked public charter schools in Rutherford County, NC include Lake Lure Classical Academy.
How many public charter schools are located in Rutherford County?
1 public charter schools are located in Rutherford County.
What is the racial composition of students in Rutherford County?
Rutherford County public charter schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public charter schools average of 53% (majority Black).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.