Running Creek School opened in August, 2002 in Western Stanly County as a K-8 school. Students were selected by redistricting Western Stanly County schools and students came from 5 elementary schools. Contracts were signed for Running Creek on January 29, 2001. The school opened with 352 students. The staff and students buried a time capsule soon after school began.

Running Creek adopted the Cougar as their mascot, with teal, black and white as their school colors.