For the 2025 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 79%, which is less than the North Carolina average of 85%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Mcdowell Early College, with ≥95% 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 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Mcdowell County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Mcdowell Early College
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Grades: 9-13
| 198 students
Rank: #22.
Mcdowell High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 47%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 Mcdowell High School Dr
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7920
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7920
Grades: 9-12
| 1,384 students
Rank: #33.
Mcdowell Academy For Innovation
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 659-0411
Grades: 9-13
| 113 students
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
Grades: 6-12
| 99 students
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 55% (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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