Rutherford County is located in the foothills region of western North Carolina and includes the towns of Bostic, Ellenboro, Forest City, Lake Lure, Ruth, Rutherfordton, and Spindale, along with numerous communities spanning almost 600 square miles. In 2010, the U. S. Census Bureau calculated the county's population at 67,810 residents and estimated a population of 66,390 residents in July, 2015. Rutherford County Schools provides comprehensive educational programs and services to approximately 8,500 students enrolled in grades pre-kindergarten through twelve at nineteen school sites located throughout the county. The school district is organized to include one pre-kindergarten program center, ten elementary schools, three middle schools, three comprehensive high schools, one alternative learning center for middle and high school students, and one early college high school located on the campus of Isothermal Community College. A locally elected, seven-member board of education governs the school district.