Best Schools in Marion, North Carolina
14 schools · 6 Elementary · 3 Middle · 4 High · 1 Other
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 6.8/10
- Median household income
- $55,036
- Median home value
- $166,100
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 16%
- Avg commute
- 25 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 72%
57% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Marion compares
North Carolina rank
#61 of 253
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
+0.4
above North Carolina avg (6.4)
Median household income
$55k
81% of North Carolina median
Schools in this city
14
About Schools in Marion, North Carolina
Marion, North Carolina is home to 14 schools, including 13 public schools and 1 private school. The city's schools span 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools.
With an average rating of 6.8 out of 10, schools in Marion show moderate performance on the MySchoolScout composite scale, which measures academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
The highest-performing school in Marion is Eastfield Global Magnet School with a composite score of 9.1/10, demonstrating strong academic outcomes and school quality metrics.
Marion is served by 1 school district: McDowell County Schools. These districts collectively serve 5,661 students.
Marion's community shows 16% bachelor's degree attainment with a median household income of $55,036. The poverty rate in the area is 15.2%.
Browse the schools below to compare ratings, test scores, enrollment, and other key metrics. Use the filters to focus on specific school levels or types that match your family's needs.
Elementary Schools
6 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 274 students · Pre-K–5th | 9.1 |
| 2 | 356 students · Pre-K–5th | 8.2 |
| 3 | 393 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.7 |
| 4 | 309 students · Pre-K–5th | 7.2 |
| 5 | 429 students · Pre-K–5th | 6.2 |
| 6 | 221 students · Pre-K–5th | 4.7 |
Middle Schools
3 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 196 students · 6th–8th | 8.2 |
| 2 | 411 students · 6th–8th | 7.1 |
| 3 | 581 students · 6th–8th | 6.6 |
High Schools
4 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 126 students · 9th–UG | 8.6 |
| 2 | 229 students · 9th–UG | 7.1 |
| 3 | 99 students · 6th–12th | 5.7 |
| 4 | 1,384 students · 9th–12th | 4.2 |
Other Schools
1 school| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NEW MANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Private
195 students · Pre-K–12th | Not Rated |
Schools in Marion
Marion, North Carolina · 14 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 1 ZIP code
Median Income
$55,036
Median Home Value
$166,100
Median Rent
$712/mo
Population
30,602
College Educated
16%
Homeownership
72%
Avg Commute
25 min
Poverty Rate
15.2%
Community Profile
Marion has a median household income of $55,036. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $166,100, with a median rent of $712/month. The area has a poverty rate of 15.2%. The average commute for residents is 25 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Quick Facts
- State
- North Carolina
- Total Schools
- 14
- Elementary
- 6
- Middle
- 3
- High
- 4
- Districts
- 1
- Avg Rating
- 6.8/10
Resources
School District
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in North Carolina
Top metros statewide by school count.
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Marion, North Carolina
How many schools are in Marion, North Carolina?
Marion has 14 schools, including 13 public and 1 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Marion, North Carolina?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Marion is 6.8 out of 10, based on academic achievement, student growth, equity, and school environment.
What is the top-ranked school in Marion, North Carolina?
The top-ranked school in Marion on MySchoolScout is Eastfield Global Magnet School with a composite score of 9.1/10.
What is the best elementary school in Marion, North Carolina?
The top-ranked elementary school in Marion on MySchoolScout is Eastfield Global Magnet School with a composite score of 9.1/10.
What is the best middle school in Marion, North Carolina?
The top-ranked middle school in Marion on MySchoolScout is Foothills Community School with a composite score of 8.2/10.
What is the best high school in Marion, North Carolina?
The top-ranked high school in Marion on MySchoolScout is Mcdowell Academy for Innovation with a composite score of 8.6/10.
How many school districts serve Marion, North Carolina?
Marion is served by 1 school district: Mcdowell County Schools.
What is the education level in Marion, North Carolina?
According to Census data, 16% of adults in Marion have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Marion, North Carolina?
The median household income in Marion is approximately $55,036 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Marion, North Carolina?
Yes, Marion has 1 private school alongside 13 public schools. The top-rated private school is New Manna Christian School with a score of 4.2/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Marion, North Carolina?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Marion is 17.4:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Marion, North Carolina?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score based on four components: Academic Achievement, Student Growth, Equity, and School Environment.
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Data from NCES Common Core of Data, North Carolina Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.