For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 2,185 students in Bessemer City, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 233 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Bessemer City, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Bessemer City, NC are Bessemer City High School, Tryon Elementary School and Bessemer City Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Bessemer City, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Bessemer City have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Bessemer City, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bessemer City High School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
119 Yellow Jacket Lane
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9601
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9601
Gr: 9-12 | 548 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #22.
Tryon Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
2620 Tryon Courthouse Road
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9107
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9107
Gr: PK-5 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Bessemer City Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
525 Ed Wilson Road
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9602
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9602
Gr: 6-8 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
Bessemer City Central Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1400 Puett's Chapel Road
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9108
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9108
Gr: 3-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
1320 North 12th Street
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9109
Bessemer City, NC 28016
(704) 836-9109
Gr: PK-2 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Bessemer City, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Bessemer City, NC include Bessemer City High School, Tryon Elementary School and Bessemer City Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Bessemer City?
5 public schools are located in Bessemer City.
What percentage of students in Bessemer City go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Bessemer City are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Bessemer City?
Bessemer City public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Bessemer City are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Bessemer City include: Bessemer City Central Elementary School vs. Bessemer City Primary, Bessemer City Primary vs. Bessemer City Central Elementary School, Tryon Elementary School vs. Bessemer City Central Elementary School