For the 2026 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 (2026)
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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