Best Marion Public Middle Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 1,165 students in Marion, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC are Foothills Community School, East Mcdowell Middle School and West Mcdowell Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Marion have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Marion, NC (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Gr: 6-8 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
East Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #33.
West Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-8 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
The Summit Academy
Alternative School
75 Crawford St
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1266
Gr: 6-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC include Foothills Community School, East Mcdowell Middle School and West Mcdowell Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Marion?
4 public middle schools are located in Marion.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion?
Marion public middle schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Marion are often viewed compared to one another?

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