McDowell Technical Community College is a public community college in Marion, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.
Serving 193 students in grades 9-13, Mcdowell Early College ranks in the top 5% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥80% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥90% (which is higher 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 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 193 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 30% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: ≥80% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 80-89% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdowell Early College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Mcdowell Early College's student population of 193 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 12 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(Supplemental virtual)
(Supplemental virtual)
Total Students
193 students
Total Classroom Teachers
12 teachers
Year Founded
1967
Average Class Size
15 students
School Rankings
Mcdowell Early College ranks within the top 5% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell Early College 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
#89 out of 2617 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥80%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-89%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
17%
22%
Black
2%
24%
White
76%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
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 Early College's ranking?
Mcdowell Early College is ranked #89 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Mcdowell Early College often compared to?
Mcdowell Early Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Mcdowell High School, Foothills Community School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥80% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mcdowell Early College?
The graduation rate of Mcdowell Early College is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Mcdowell Early College?
193 students attend Mcdowell Early College.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Mcdowell Early College students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mcdowell Early College?
Mcdowell Early College has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mcdowell Early College offer ?
Mcdowell Early College offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (Supplemental virtual).
What school district is Mcdowell Early College part of?
Mcdowell Early College is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
School Reviews
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