McDowell Technical Community College is a public community college in Marion, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.
Serving 138 students in grades 9-13, Mcdowell Academy For Innovation ranks in the top 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥50% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 138 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation's student population of 138 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 7 teachers has declined by 41% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
138 students
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Year Founded
1967
School Rankings
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation ranks within the top 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell Academy For Innovation is 0.48, 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
#900 out of 2617 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥50%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
24%
22%
Black
3%
24%
White
68%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)80-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
3%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdowell Academy For Innovation's ranking?
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation is ranked #900 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mcdowell Academy For Innovation?
The graduation rate of Mcdowell Academy For Innovation is 80-89%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Mcdowell Academy For Innovation?
138 students attend Mcdowell Academy For Innovation.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Mcdowell Academy For Innovation students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 4% 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 Mcdowell Academy For Innovation?
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mcdowell Academy For Innovation offer ?
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Mcdowell Academy For Innovation part of?
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
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