Serving 581 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 15:1 is equal to 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 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 581 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
West Mcdowell Middle School's student population of 581 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
581 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
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 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1554 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
17%
21%
Black
2%
25%
White
75%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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 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?
581 students attend West Mcdowell Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
75% of West Mcdowell Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 2% 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 15:1, which is equal to 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 District.
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