For the 2025-26 school year, there are 12 public elementary schools serving 3,922 students in Mcdowell County, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, NC are Foothills Community School, Marion Elementary School and Old Fort Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Mcdowell County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Gr: 6-8 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Marion Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
209 Robert Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Gr: PK-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Old Fort Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
128 Mauney Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-7646
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-7646
Gr: PK-5 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Eastfield Global Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
170 Eastfield School Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Nebo Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
254 Nebo School Road
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-4737
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-4737
Gr: PK-5 | 334 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1545 Old Hwy 221 South
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
North Cove Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 American Thread Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Gr: PK-5 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #88.
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 John Roach Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Gr: PK-5 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #99.
East Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Gr: 6-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #1010.
West Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-8 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1111.
West Marion Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
820 Marler Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Gr: PK-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1212.
Mcdowell Virtual Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-12 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, NC include Foothills Community School, Marion Elementary School and Old Fort Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Mcdowell County?
12 public elementary schools are located in Mcdowell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County?
Mcdowell County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Mcdowell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Mcdowell County include: West Mcdowell Middle School vs. East Mcdowell Middle School, East Mcdowell Middle School vs. West Mcdowell Middle School, Foothills Community School vs. West Mcdowell Middle School
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