Below Average
#2099 of 2,648 schools in NC
Bowman Middle
Middle School · Mitchell County Schools
PO Box 46, Bakersville, NC 28705
Enrollment
189
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
4.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
189
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
4.8
Grades
5th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,099 of 2,648
In Bakersville
#3 of 3
public schools
In district
#7 of 7
Mitchell County Schools
School environment
9.5 / 10
Excellent
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Bowman Middle
Middle School in Bakersville · grades 5th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Gouge Elementary
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mitchell High
3.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Bowman Middle
Bowman Middle is a public middle school in Bakersville, NC, part of Mitchell County Schools. Bowman Middle serves approximately 189 students, and covers grades 5th-8th, and has a 12.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Bowman Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10 and ranks #2,099 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Bowman Middle show 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 4.8 · Below Average
- District avg 5.6
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
At 189 students, Bowman Middle is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.
Bowman Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Bowman Middle — Students at Bowman Middle score 44% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.5/10.
How Bowman Middle Compares
See how Bowman Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
PO Box 46, Bakersville, NC 28705
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bowman Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Harris Middle (rated 6.4/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Additionally, East Yancey Middle (rated 5.3/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Burnsville), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Bakersville, see our Bakersville schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gouge Elementary Bakersville | 0.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Mitchell High Bakersville | 3.5 mi | 5.7 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 7.9 mi | 5.1 |
| Micaville Elementary Micaville | 8.0 mi | 3.8 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 8.0 mi | 6.4 |
| SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 8.1 mi | 5.7 |
| TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 8.3 mi | 5.4 |
| Riverside Elementary Newland | 7.7 mi | 4.2 |
| Burnsville Elementary Burnsville | 8.7 mi | 5.5 |
| East Yancey Middle Burnsville | 8.9 mi | 5.3 |
| GENESIS ACADEMY, INC. Burnsville | 9.1 mi | — |
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 9.4 mi | 7.8 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 10.4 mi | 8.0 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 9.7 mi | 7.0 |
| South Toe Elementary Burnsville | 11.9 mi | 5.0 |
| ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 13.2 mi | — |
| YANCEY COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 12.1 mi | 3.1 |
| Cloudland High School Roan Mountain | 13.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Mountain Heritage High Burnsville | 12.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Cloudland Elementary School Roan Mountain | 13.8 mi | 7.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28705 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,350
Median Home Value
$202,200
Median Rent
$855/mo
Population
6,733
College Educated
21.7%
Homeownership
80.1%
Avg Commute
27 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
49.5
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Lowrance Middle Winston-Salem, NC | 4.7 |
| Elise Middle Robbins, NC | 5.2 |
| East Yancey Middle Burnsville, NC | 5.3 |
| Washington County Middle Roper, NC | 4.3 |
| William R Davie Middle S.T.E.M. Academy Roanoke Rapids, NC | 4.3 |
| West Pender Middle Burgaw, NC | 4.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bowman Middle
What grades does Bowman Middle serve?
Bowman Middle serves students in grades 5th through 8th.
How many students attend Bowman Middle?
Bowman Middle has an enrollment of approximately 189 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bowman Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Bowman Middle is 12.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bowman Middle rank in NC?
Bowman Middle ranks #2,099 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Bowman Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Bowman Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.8 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bowman Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Bowman Middle has 45% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Bowman Middle a charter school?
No, Bowman Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bowman Middle a Title I school?
No, Bowman Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bowman Middle?
98.4% of students at Bowman Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 189
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 15
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Mitchell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 27.0%
- Phone
- (828) 766-3370
Resources & Links
District
Mitchell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,705
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,405
- District Rank
- #7 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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