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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Mcdowell County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 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 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Mcdowell County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Gr: 6-8 | 200 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Marion Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
209 Robert Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Gr: PK-5 | 333 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Old Fort Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
128 Mauney Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
(828) 668-7646
Gr: PK-5 | 360 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Eastfield Global Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
170 Eastfield School Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Gr: PK-5 | 279 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Nebo Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
254 Nebo School Road
Nebo, NC 28761
(828) 652-4737
Gr: PK-5 | 354 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1545 Old Hwy 221 South
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #77.
North Cove Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
401 American Thread Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Gr: PK-5 | 230 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #88.
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
100 John Roach Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Gr: PK-5 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #99.
East Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #1010.
West Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-8 | 550 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #1111.
West Marion Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
820 Marler Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
The Summit Academy
Alternative School
75 Crawford St
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1266
Gr: 6-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 13%

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 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Mcdowell County are often viewed compared to one another?

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