For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public middle schools serving 1,287 students in Marion, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC are Foothills Community School, East Mcdowell Middle School and West Mcdowell Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Marion have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Marion, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Gr: 6-8 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
East Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Gr: 6-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
West Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-8 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Mcdowell Virtual Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-12 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Marion, NC include Foothills Community School, East Mcdowell Middle School and West Mcdowell Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Marion?
4 public middle schools are located in Marion.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion?
Marion public middle schools minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Marion are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Marion include: West Mcdowell Middle School vs. East Mcdowell Middle School, East Mcdowell Middle School vs. West Mcdowell Middle School, West Mcdowell Middle School vs. Foothills Community School
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