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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Mcdowell County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 2,635 students in Mcdowell County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Mcdowell County, NC are Marion Elementary School, Old Fort Elementary School and Eastfield Global Magnet School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Mcdowell County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
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: #3 - 43. - 4.
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: #55.
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: #66.
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: #77.
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: #88.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Mcdowell County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Mcdowell County, NC include Marion Elementary School, Old Fort Elementary School and Eastfield Global Magnet School.
How many public preschools are located in Mcdowell County?
8 public preschools are located in Mcdowell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County?
Mcdowell County public preschools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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