Home > North Carolina > Mcdowell County

Mcdowell County Schools

Item: Mcdowell County Schools
Rating: 5
Author: Public School Review

334 South Main St
Marion, NC 28752-0130

( shown in map)

Bottom 50%

Tel: (828) 652-4535

www.mcdowell.k12.nc.us

Top Rankings

Mcdowell County Schools ranks among the top 20% of public school district in North Carolina for:

Overview

This School District

This State (NC)

# Schools

15 Schools

1,006 Schools

# Students

5,545 Students

477,463 Students

# Teachers

374 Teachers

32,726 Teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

15:1

Student By Grade

View Data

Comparison of Students By Grade Trends
Grade	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
Pre-K	274	74
Kind	379	211
1	406	215
2	411	219
3	387	215
4	392	202
5	421	199

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

District Rank

Mcdowell County Schools, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 314 school districts in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2021-2022 school year.

The school district's graduation rate of 80% has decreased from 85% over five school years.

This School District

State Average (NC)

#168 out of 325 school districts
(Bottom 50%)

View Data

Overall School District Rank Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools
2023	#168
2022	#168
2021	#191
2019	#154
2018	#178
2017	#185
2016	#198
2015	#168
2014	#133
2013	#102
2012	#96

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

51%

View Data

Math Proficiency Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2022	51%	51%
2021	35%	42%
2019	38%	42%
2018	37%	48%
2017	40%	47%
2016	36%	47%
2015	37%	44%
2014	37%	43%
2013	40%	42%
2012	85%	82%
2011	84%	82%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

48%

50%

View Data

Reading and Language Arts Proficiency Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2022	48%	50%
2021	46%	47%
2019	46%	46%
2018	37%	47%
2017	44%	46%
2016	39%	47%
2015	43%	46%
2014	46%	46%
2013	45%	45%
2012	75%	73%
2011	72%	70%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

63%

View Data

Science Proficiency Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2022	63%	63%
2021	57%	61%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(21-22)

80%

86%

View Data

Graduation Rate Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2022	80%	86%
2021	85%	85%
2020	87%	86%
2019	83%	85%
2018	85%	86%
2017	85%	88%
2016	82%	88%
2015	80%	87%
2014	77%	86%
2013	78%	85%
2012	78%	83%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

(2022-23)

31.4%

28.7%

View Data

Chronic Absenteeism Rate Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	31.4%	28.7%
2022	43%	33.4%
2021	32%	25.4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Students by Ethnicity:

0.42

0.73

View Data

Comparison of Diversity Score Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	0.40	0.71
2022	0.40	0.70
2021	0.39	0.69
2020	0.37	0.68
2019	0.37	0.68
2018	0.35	0.67
2017	0.35	0.67
2016	0.34	0.66
2015	0.33	0.66
2014	0.34	0.65
2013	0.34	0.65
2012	0.34	0.64
2011	0.34	0.64
2010	0.29	0.61
2009	0.27	0.61
2008	0.26	0.61
2007	0.25	0.60
2006	0.24	0.58
2005	0.24	0.58
2004	0.22	0.57
2003	0.22	0.56
2002	0.20	0.55
2001	0.20	0.53
2000	0.17	0.53
1999	0.17	0.52
1998	0.15	0.52
1997	0.14	0.50
1996	0.12	0.50
1995	0.12	0.49
1994	0.12	0.48
1993	0.12	0.48
1992	0.12	0.48
1991	0.12	0.48

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% American Indian

n/a

View Data

American Indian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2008-2011)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2011	1%	2%
2008	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Asian

View Data

Asian Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	1%	4%
2022	2%	4%
2021	1%	4%
2020	1%	3%
2019	1%	3%
2018	1%	3%
2017	1%	3%
2016	1%	3%
2015	1%	3%
2014	1%	3%
2013	1%	3%
2012	1%	3%
2011	1%	2%
2010	2%	3%
2009	2%	2%
2008	2%	3%
2007	3%	3%
2006	2%	2%
2005	2%	2%
2004	2%	2%
2003	2%	2%
2002	2%	2%
2001	3%	2%
2000	2%	2%
1999	3%	2%
1998	2%	2%
1997	2%	1%
1996	1%	1%
1995	1%	1%
1994	1%	1%
1993	1%	1%
1992	1%	1%
1991	1%	1%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hispanic

16%

24%

View Data

Hispanic Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1996-2023)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	15%	20%
2022	14%	20%
2021	14%	19%
2020	14%	18%
2019	14%	18%
2018	14%	17%
2017	14%	17%
2016	13%	16%
2015	12%	16%
2014	11%	15%
2013	11%	14%
2012	11%	13%
2011	11%	13%
2010	9%	11%
2009	8%	11%
2008	8%	11%
2007	8%	10%
2006	7%	8%
2005	6%	8%
2004	5%	7%
2003	5%	6%
2002	4%	5%
2001	3%	4%
2000	2%	4%
1999	1%	3%
1998	1%	3%
1997	1%	2%
1996	1%	2%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Black

25%

View Data

Black Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	3%	25%
2022	3%	25%
2021	4%	25%
2020	3%	25%
2019	3%	25%
2018	3%	26%
2017	3%	26%
2016	3%	26%
2015	3%	26%
2014	3%	26%
2013	3%	26%
2012	3%	26%
2011	3%	26%
2010	5%	31%
2009	5%	31%
2008	3%	29%
2007	3%	29%
2006	5%	32%
2005	5%	31%
2004	5%	31%
2003	5%	31%
2002	5%	31%
2001	5%	31%
2000	5%	31%
1999	5%	31%
1998	5%	30%
1997	5%	31%
1996	5%	31%
1995	5%	30%
1994	5%	30%
1993	5%	30%
1992	5%	30%
1991	5%	30%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% White

74%

40%

View Data

White Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (1991-2023)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	76%	44%
2022	76%	45%
2021	77%	46%
2020	78%	48%
2019	78%	48%
2018	79%	49%
2017	79%	49%
2016	80%	50%
2015	81%	50%
2014	81%	51%
2013	81%	52%
2012	81%	53%
2011	81%	53%
2010	84%	54%
2009	85%	54%
2008	86%	55%
2007	86%	56%
2006	86%	56%
2005	87%	57%
2004	88%	58%
2003	88%	59%
2002	89%	60%
2001	89%	61%
2000	91%	61%
1999	91%	62%
1998	92%	63%
1997	92%	64%
1996	93%	64%
1995	94%	65%
1994	94%	66%
1993	94%	66%
1992	94%	66%
1991	94%	66%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

% Hawaiian

n/a

% Two or more races

View Data

Two or More Races Student Percentage Comparison Over Years (2013-2023)
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	5%	6%
2022	5%	5%
2021	4%	5%
2020	4%	5%
2019	4%	5%
2018	3%	4%
2017	3%	4%
2016	3%	4%
2015	3%	4%
2014	4%	4%
2013	4%	4%

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

All Ethnic Groups

District Revenue and Spending

The revenue/student of $11,742 is higher than the state median of $11,176. The school district revenue/student has declined by 8% over four school years.

The school district's spending/student of $11,972 is higher than the state median of $11,601. The school district spending/student has declined by 9% over four school years.

This School District

This State (NC)

Total Revenue

$65 MM

$17,307 MM

View Data

Total Revenues Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$65 MM	$8 MM
2022	$76 MM	$8 MM
2021	$65 MM	$8 MM
2020	$76 MM	$8 MM
2019	$66 MM	$8 MM
2018	$61 MM	$8 MM
2017	$60 MM	$8 MM
2016	$57 MM	$8 MM
2015	$59 MM	$18 MM
2014	$56 MM	$10 MM
2012	$57 MM	$17 MM
2011	$58 MM	$19 MM
2010	$59 MM	$18 MM
2009	$56 MM	$19 MM
2008	$56 MM	$18 MM
2007	$53 MM	$18 MM
2006	$49 MM	$15 MM
2005	$46 MM	$15 MM
2004	$49 MM	$17 MM
2003	$44 MM	$17 MM
2002	$45 MM	$16 MM
2001	$48 MM	$17 MM
2000	$44 MM	$20 MM
1999	$36 MM	$23 MM
1998	$36 MM	$26 MM
1997	$32 MM	$34 MM
1996	$30 MM	$34 MM
1995	$29 MM	$32 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending

$66 MM

$17,964 MM

View Data

Total Expenditure Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$66 MM	$8 MM
2022	$79 MM	$8 MM
2021	$66 MM	$8 MM
2020	$79 MM	$8 MM
2019	$68 MM	$7 MM
2018	$63 MM	$8 MM
2017	$62 MM	$9 MM
2016	$61 MM	$8 MM
2015	$60 MM	$18 MM
2014	$58 MM	$11 MM
2012	$58 MM	$16 MM
2011	$59 MM	$17 MM
2010	$60 MM	$18 MM
2009	$58 MM	$18 MM
2008	$54 MM	$17 MM
2007	$51 MM	$18 MM
2006	$47 MM	$15 MM
2005	$46 MM	$15 MM
2004	$48 MM	$16 MM
2003	$44 MM	$17 MM
2002	$43 MM	$15 MM
2001	$48 MM	$17 MM
2000	$44 MM	$20 MM
1999	$35 MM	$24 MM
1998	$35 MM	$26 MM
1997	$31 MM	$36 MM
1996	$30 MM	$33 MM
1995	$29 MM	$32 MM

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Revenue / Student

$11,742

$11,176

View Data

Average Revenue Per Student Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$11,355	$10,093
2022	$12,838	$9,918
2021	$11,419	$10,282
2020	$12,838	$9,918
2019	$11,114	$9,125
2018	$10,030	$9,419
2017	$9,684	$10,522
2016	$9,201	$9,128
2015	$9,356	$10,864
2014	$8,952	$9,046
2012	$8,438	$10,562
2011	$8,629	$12,703
2010	$8,740	$10,864
2009	$8,449	$11,105
2008	$8,622	$11,767
2007	$8,130	$9,479
2006	$7,500	$9,335
2005	$7,145	$8,913
2004	$7,628	$8,734
2003	$6,732	$8,577
2002	$7,056	$8,130
2001	$7,374	$7,294
2000	$6,872	$7,636
1999	$5,686	$7,252
1998	$5,683	$5,688
1997	$5,096	$5,690
1995	$4,734	$5,545
1992	$4,499	$4,737

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Spending / Student

$11,972

$11,601

View Data

Average Expenditure Per Student Trends
Year	Mcdowell County Schools	North Carolina
2023	$11,577	$9,807
2022	$13,298	$9,654
2021	$11,642	$9,990
2020	$13,298	$9,654
2019	$11,480	$8,949
2018	$10,361	$9,637
2017	$9,996	$11,583
2016	$9,801	$9,753
2015	$9,626	$10,591
2014	$9,126	$9,388
2012	$8,649	$10,336
2011	$8,752	$11,927
2010	$8,993	$10,591
2009	$8,765	$10,880
2008	$8,229	$11,136
2007	$7,847	$9,418
2006	$7,213	$8,813
2005	$7,073	$8,647
2004	$7,488	$8,413
2003	$6,768	$8,886
2002	$6,762	$7,903
2001	$7,346	$7,301
2000	$6,810	$7,650
1999	$5,467	$7,340
1998	$5,632	$5,663
1997	$5,040	$6,040
1995	$4,689	$5,570
1992	$5,001	$4,725

Download Table: Download as CSV | Download as XML | Download as JSON

Download Full School District Data: Full School Distirct Dataset XML | Full School Distirct Dataset JSON

Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a school search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.

Best Mcdowell County Schools Public Preschools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)

Location

Quick Facts

Rank: #11.

Marion Elementary School

(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
:

Top 30%

Add to Compare

209 Robert Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141

Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%

Rank: #22.

Old Fort Elementary School

(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

128 Mauney Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-7646

Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%

Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.

Eastfield Global Magnet School

Magnet School

(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

170 Eastfield School Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730

Gr: PK-5 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%

Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.

Nebo Elementary School

(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

254 Nebo School Road
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-4737

Gr: PK-5 | 354 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%

Rank: #55.

Glenwood Elementary School

(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
:

Top 50%

Add to Compare

1545 Old Hwy 221 South
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220

Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%

Rank: #66.

North Cove Elementary School

(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

401 American Thread Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342

Gr: PK-5 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%

Rank: #77.

Pleasant Gardens Elementary School

(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

100 John Roach Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422

Gr: PK-5 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%

Rank: #88.

West Marion Elementary School

(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
:

Bottom 50%

Add to Compare

820 Marler Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353

Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%

Recent Articles

August 26, 2026

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines

Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.

August 26, 2026

Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs

Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.

August 26, 2026

What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling

Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.

Quick Facts (2026)

District size: 15 schools
Grades: PK-13
Enrollment: 5,545 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Minority Enrollment: 26%
: 80% (Btm 50% in NC)
: Bottom 50%
: 51% (Top 50%)
: 48% (Btm 50%)
: 63% (Btm 50%)
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education