Serving 550 students in grades 6-8, West Mcdowell Middle 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 45% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 550 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 25%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 73% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: West McDowell Middle serves the northwest part of Marion, NC, covering an area of approximately 314.1 square miles. Families typically drive 20-30 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 12.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, which extends up to 18.7 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Mcdowell Middle School's student population of 550 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 35 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
550 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
35 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
West Mcdowell Middle 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 Mcdowell Middle School is 0.41, 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
#1554 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)45%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2007–2025. View full 35-year historical data
Hispanic
16%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 25-year historical data
Black
3%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
75%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)34%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
2%
3%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 25-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West Mcdowell Middle School's ranking?
West Mcdowell Middle School is ranked #1554 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are West Mcdowell Middle School often compared to?
West Mcdowell Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East Mcdowell Middle School, Foothills Community School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend West Mcdowell Middle School?
550 students attend West Mcdowell Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of West Mcdowell Middle School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 5% 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 Mcdowell Middle School?
West Mcdowell Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does West Mcdowell Middle School offer ?
West Mcdowell Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is West Mcdowell Middle School part of?
West Mcdowell Middle School is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
School Reviews
Review West Mcdowell Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
