McDowell High School

McDowell High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
600 McDowell High Dr,  Marion, NC
Mcdowell County Schools
3.4
2.1
1,384 Students
B-
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Mr Edwin Spivey
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Average SAT Score
1100
Average ACT Score
23
Math Proficiency
72%
Reading Proficiency
47%
Average GPA
3.51
Graduation Rate
83%

Niche Grade

B-
Academics
B
Teachers
B-
College Prep
B-
Administration
B
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
B-
Sports
C
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.51
Reading Proficiency
47%
Math Proficiency
72%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
15:1
Teachers
91
Full Time Teachers
91
Teachers in First or Second Year
1.6%
College Prep
Average SAT
1100
Math
540
Verbal
560
Average ACT
23
Math
21
English
22
Reading
23
Science
23
Number of AP Courses
12
AP Pass Rate
35.6%
AP Math Enrollment
Very Low
AP Science Enrollment
Low
Other AP Enrollment
Low
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Low
Boys Athletic Participation
Low

GreatSchools Rating

4
Test Scores
3
Equity
3
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
278:1

Student Diversity

Male
55.7%
Female
44.3%
White
74.5%
Hispanic
16.2%
Two or more races
5%
Black
3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Appalachian State University 165 Students
Western Carolina University 151 Students
North Carolina State University 100 Students
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 99 Students
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 89 Students
McDowell Technical Community College 56 Students
East Carolina University 52 Students
University of North Carolina - Greensboro 50 Students
University of North Carolina Asheville 48 Students
Gardner-Webb University 46 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 46 Students
Nursing 44 Students
Biology 42 Students
Psychology 30 Students
Kinesiology and Exercise Science 18 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 17 Students
Education 17 Students
Elementary Education 16 Students
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 13 Students
Chemistry 13 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 226 Reviews
3.0 Senior
4/1/2025
Overall, the experience wasn't terrible, but could be better. Some teachers are extremely helpful while some clearly pick favorites, don't allow students to learn a subject properly,etc. There is a wide variety of CTE courses that can be taken, but there could be improvement in teaching core classes.
4.0 Senior
3/6/2024
My experience at McDowell high school hasn't been bad even though you never know how truly people are their is some honest and helpful people at this school that can help you achieve to graduate and believe in yourself.
4.0 Senior
8/27/2018
I have greatly enjoyed McDowell High School during my time here. The teachers that I had were always willing to work with me and they greatly prepared me for the future. I was able to have different research internships and use my knowledge obtained from McDowell.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
2.1 7 Reviews
1.0 parent
2/23/2023
this school would rather target and prosecute the kids who are tardy and not the kids who are vaping and doing other things...? the teachers are good people but when it comes to students the school is over its head, they cannot control all the things going on around school and even if they could the...
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5.0 parent
12/20/2018
In the past three years, this school has improved tremendously. It shouldn't get a bad rap. The teachers truly care about the students, the graduation rate has gone up and it has so much student involvement.
Read Full Review
1.0 student
12/9/2018
This school is more worried and concerned about THEIR image on paper than they are the students, what they are learning, their passions, and being their best.
Read Full Review
1.0 student
10/12/2017
Mcdowell High School doesn't care about its students and their academic future.
Read Full Review
See More GreatSchools Reviews

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North Carolina Mcdowell County Marion 28752
McDowell High School

McDowell High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Marion, NC, in the Marion neighborhood, and is served by the Mcdowell County Schools in North Carolina. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 1,384 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. Academic records show that 72% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 47% are proficient in reading. McDowell High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B- and a GreatSchools Rating of 3 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.51, the graduation rate is 83%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1100 and an ACT score of 23. The average home value in this area is $305,736. Discover additional schools in the area, like New Manna Christian School, Nebo Crossing Academy, Altapass Christian School, and more. Learn more about what Marion has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near McDowell High School.

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