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A+

McDowell Early College

PublicHighGrades 9–13

54 College Drive, Marion, NC 28752 · (828) 659-0411 · Part of McDowell County Schools

Marion’s School Grade B− better than 47% of North Carolina school districts

Directions
Students
241
Students per teacher
20:1
Free or reduced lunch
99%
Setting
Rural
Grades
9–13
The gist

What stands out about McDowell Early College

  • Its own letter, A+: reading and math results near the top of North Carolina’s public schools
  • Math proficiency 43 pts above the state
  • Reading / language arts 48 pts above the state
  • Larger classes: 20 students per teacher
  • Enrollment down 12% since 2020–21

On the path

Where Marion kids come from and go next. The whole path →

6–82 middle schoolsDepends on your address
9–13McDowell Early CollegeYou are here

Test scores

2020–21
Math proficiency84%
State average 41.8%
Reading / language arts95%
State average 47.2%

Its own letter, A+, places these results among North Carolina’s 2,529 public schools with results. Source: EDFacts via Urban Institute Education Data Portal (SY2020-21).

Location

Directions ↗

54 College Drive, Marion

Students

Enrollment by grade
Grade 951
Grade 1041
Grade 1138
Grade 1263
Grade 1348
Enrollment over time
274’20
254’21
225’22
229’23
241’24

Down 12% since 2020–21.

Who goes here
White 76%Hispanic 17%Two or more races 3%Black 2%Asian 1%American Indian/Alaska Native <1%

As reported to NCES, share of students with a reported race or ethnicity.

Parents talk

Questions and answers about McDowell Early College from Marion families.

Other schools in McDowell County Schools

The district →
Glenwood Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Marion
B−
435 students16:1
West Marion Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Marion
C−
390 students14:1
Old Fort Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Old Fort
C+
360 students15:1
Nebo Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Nebo
C
354 students16:1
Marion Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Marion
B
333 students15:1
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
Elementary · Grades PK–5 · Marion
C+
289 students13:1

School facts: U.S. Department of Education (NCES), 2024–2025 school year. Test scores: EDFacts via Urban Institute Education Data Portal (SY2020-21). A school’s letter is our own summary of its reading and math results against North Carolina’s other public schools; Marion’s School Grade is built from its districts’ results. Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors.