Top 10 Best Mcdowell County Public Schools (2024)

For the 2024 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 5,824 students in Mcdowell County, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 317 private students). 95% of all K-12 students in Mcdowell County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in Mcdowell County, NC are Mcdowell Early College, Mcdowell For Innovation and Mcdowell High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 42%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 55% (majority Black).

Best Mcdowell County Public Schools (2024)

School
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Mcdowell Early College
Math: 80-89% | Reading: ≥90%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Grades: 9-13
| 209 students
Rank: #22.
Mcdowell For Innovation
Math: 60-79% | Reading: ≥80%
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Grades: 9-13
| 95 students
Rank: #33.
Mcdowell High School
Math: 50% | Reading: 57%
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
600 Mcdowell High School Dr
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7920
Grades: 9-12
| 1,363 students
Rank: #44.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
Math: 40-44% | Reading: 60-64%
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Grades: 6-8
| 182 students
Rank: #55.
Marion Elementary School
Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
209 Robert Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Grades: PK-5
| 360 students
Rank: #66.
Glenwood Elementary School
Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1545 Old Hwy 221 South
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Grades: PK-5
| 443 students
Rank: #77.
North Cove Elementary School
Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
401 American Thread Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Grades: PK-5
| 220 students
Rank: #88.
Old Fort Elementary School
Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
128 Mauney Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-7646
Grades: PK-5
| 312 students
Rank: #99.
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
100 John Roach Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Grades: PK-5
| 296 students
Rank: #1010.
Eastfield Global Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
170 Eastfield School Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Grades: PK-5
| 263 students
Rank: #1111.
West Mcdowell Middle School
Math: 28% | Reading: 45%
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Grades: 6-8
| 648 students
Rank: #1212.
Nebo Elementary School
Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
254 Nebo School Road
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-4737
Grades: PK-5
| 352 students
Rank: #1313.
East Mcdowell Middle School
Math: 27% | Reading: 40%
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Grades: 6-8
| 531 students
Rank: #1414.
West Marion Elementary School
Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
820 Marler Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Grades: PK-5
| 375 students
Rank: n/an/a
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-4535
Grades: K-12
| 175 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Mcdowell County, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Mcdowell County, NC include Mcdowell Early College, Mcdowell For Innovation and Mcdowell High School.
How many public schools are located in Mcdowell County, NC?
15 public schools are located in Mcdowell County, NC.
What percentage of students in Mcdowell County, NC go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in Mcdowell County, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County, NC?
Mcdowell County, NC public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 55% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
From ensuring academic standards to assessing student readiness for college and career, readers will gain insights into the potential benefits of these exams. However, the article also delves into concerns such as increased stress on students, potential biases in testing, and the limitations of standardized assessments in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities. With a balanced perspective and expert analysis, this resource offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public school exit exams, empowering them to engage in informed discussions and decision-making regarding education policy and practice.
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
Discover how all-girl public high schools are making waves in education, fostering confidence and enhancing college success among young women. This article explores the unique benefits of single-gender education, from creating a supportive environment free from gender stereotypes to offering tailored academic programs that empower girls to excel. Learn how these schools cultivate leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community, setting students on a path to thrive in college and beyond. With insights from educators and success stories from graduates, uncover the transformative impact of all-girl public high schools on female empowerment and educational attainment.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.