Rutherford County Schools School Calendar 2026-2027

At a Glance

RCS is a rural school district with 18 schools. For the 2026-2027 school year, classes begin August 10 and end May 28. Rutherford County Schools is headquartered at 382 West Main Street in Forest City, NC, and serves students across Rutherford County in the western NC foothills. Rutherford County Schools runs more than one calendar program (Traditional schools, REaCH program schools, and FCDES program schools) -- this page covers the Traditional schools calendar; other programs follow a different schedule. The district has said a complete 2026-2027 calendar — including early dismissal dates and teacher workdays — will be published soon. This calendar includes 1 early-release or half day — useful to know when planning childcare.

Source: Rutherford County Schools

Also known as RCS.

Schools in Rutherford County Schools

Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School (Elementary)
R-S Middle School (Middle)
Chase Middle School (Middle)
Chase High School (High)
Cliffside Elementary School (Elementary)
Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School (Elementary)
East Rutherford High School (High)
Ellenboro Elementary School (Elementary)
Harris Elementary School (Elementary)
Mt. Vernon-Ruth Elementary School (Elementary)
East Rutherford Middle School (Middle)
Rutherfordton Elementary School (Elementary)
R-S Central High School (High)
Spindale Elementary School (Elementary)
Sunshine Elementary School (Elementary)
Pinnacle Elementary School (Elementary)
Rutherford Opportunity Center (High)
Rutherford Early College High School (High)

Rutherford County Schools 2026-2027 School Calendar

Traditional schools

2026-08-10 — First full day for students (in session)
2026-10-05 to 2026-10-09 — Fall Break (schools closed) (closed)
2026-12-21 to 2027-01-01 — Winter Break (closed)
2027-03-29 to 2027-04-02 — Spring Break (Schools closed) (closed)
2027-05-28 — Last day of school, 2-hour day; Report cards issued (partial)