Serving 390 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, West Marion Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 390 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-54% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: West Marion Elementary serves the southern part of the Marion, NC school district, encompassing an area of approximately 42.1 square miles. Families typically experience a 10-15 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone being about 7.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Marion Elementary School's student population of 390 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
390 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
West Marion Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West Marion Elementary School is 0.40, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1790 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)40-44%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
13%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
76%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34.1%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2010–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Marion Elementary School's ranking?
West Marion Elementary School is ranked #1790 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend West Marion Elementary School?
390 students attend West Marion Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of West Marion Elementary School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of West Marion Elementary School?
West Marion Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Marion Elementary School offer ?
West Marion Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Marion Elementary School part of?
West Marion Elementary School is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
In reference to the article on Yahoo.com (12/5/2012) about the school censoring a little girl's poem about her grandfather's experience in Vietnam and forcing her to remove "God" from the poem. I AM APPALLED that our educators have the nerve to bow to the complaint of ONE individual! As the product of 2 teachers (BOTH of my parents are retired teachers) it amazes me that the school would do this. What happened to her 1st Amendment Rights? Obviously the complaintant's 1st Amendment Rights weren't abused. Were this to happen to one of my children, I''d see civil rights violation charges brought against the district, superintendent, school board, and the complaintant at the very minimum. ALL parents should stand-up for this little girl's rights, lest we ALL lose ours!
5 10/10/2025
I went to this school for most of all my schooling for elementary school. It has taught me so much, and the small student body causes you have to have one on one bond with the staff of the school. I still get approached by teachers that work/worked at the school that didn't even teach me! They provide free lunch, choice electives, and after-school clubs. I really hope this school will be acknowledged for the good it caused me to have in my education.
4 10/10/2025
West Marion Elementary is an excellent school. The teachers truly care about their students and have high expectations for ALL students not just the top students. My children excelled at West Marion because of teachers taking the initiative to do change instruction based on my son and daughters needs. Mr. Carson works diligently to ensure that ALL of the students needs are met.
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