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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Mcdowell County Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 1,794 students in Mcdowell County, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Mcdowell County, NC are Mcdowell Early College, Mcdowell High School and Mcdowell Academy For Innovation. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Mcdowell County, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 81%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Mcdowell Early College, with ≥90% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Mcdowell County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mcdowell Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Gr: 9-13 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Mcdowell High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
600 Mcdowell High School Dr
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7920
Gr: 9-12 | 1,379 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Gr: 9-13 | 138 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
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 high schools in Mcdowell County, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Mcdowell County, NC include Mcdowell Early College, Mcdowell High School and Mcdowell Academy For Innovation.
How many public high schools are located in Mcdowell County?
4 public high schools are located in Mcdowell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County?
Mcdowell County public high schools minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Mcdowell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Mcdowell County include: Mcdowell Early College vs. Mcdowell High School, Mcdowell High School vs. Mcdowell Early College

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