For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 2,531 students in Dobson, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 62 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Dobson, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dobson, NC are Surry Early College, Dobson Elementary School and Copeland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dobson, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Dobson have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dobson, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Surry Early College
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
630 South Main Street
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-3621
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-3621
Gr: 9-13 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #22.
Dobson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
400 W Atkins Street
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8913
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8913
Gr: PK-5 | 350 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
Copeland Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
948 Copeland School Road
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-2572
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-2572
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #44.
Surry Central High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
716 South Main Street
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8842
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8842
Gr: 9-12 | 679 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Surry Online Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
883 Zephyr Road
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8215
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-8215
Gr: K-12 | 121 students Student-teacher ratio: 61:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #66.
Central Middle School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
883 Zephyr Rd
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-4018
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 386-4018
Gr: 6-8 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #77.
Rockford Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
719 Rockford Rd
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-6300
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dobson, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Dobson, NC include Surry Early College, Dobson Elementary School and Copeland Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dobson?
7 public schools are located in Dobson.
What percentage of students in Dobson go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Dobson are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dobson?
Dobson public schools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Dobson are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Dobson include: Surry Early College vs. Surry Central High School, Surry Central High School vs. Surry Early College, Rockford Elementary School vs. Surry Central High School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.