Very Good
#677 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 26% in state
Bowman Middle
Middle School · Mitchell County Schools
PO Box 46, Bakersville, NC 28705
Enrollment
189
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
7.6
Grades
5th – 8th
Enrollment
189
Student-Teacher
12.6:1
Score
7.6
Grades
5th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bakersville
#2 of 3
public schools
North Carolina middle schools
#60 of 475
In district
#3 of 7
Mitchell County Schools
School environment
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About Bowman Middle
Bowman Middle, a regular public school in Bakersville, North Carolina, serves students from fifth through eighth grade. With an enrollment of 189 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 12.6:1, Bowman Middle provides a relatively small classroom environment conducive to individualized attention. The school has 15 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to the academic and social development of its middle schoolers.
Bowman Middle's MySchoolScout rating is 4.7 out of 10, placing it in the 34th percentile among North Carolina schools, with a state ranking of #1743 out of 2661 schools. The academic score of 2.9/10 suggests there is room for improvement in test performance; however, the school continues to focus on student development and growth beyond standardized tests. In ELA/reading, 45% of students are proficient or above, while in math, 28% demonstrate proficiency.
Located in a rural setting within Mitchell County, Bowman Middle benefits from close-knit community ties and offers opportunities for students to engage with nature and local culture. The school's location provides a unique backdrop where learning extends beyond the classroom walls into the surrounding countryside.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 189 students, Bowman Middle is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Located in a rural area, Bowman Middle may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Bowman Middle — Students at Bowman Middle score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.8/10.
How Bowman Middle Compares
See how Bowman Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 22% (2019) to 33% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 44% (2019) to 46% (2021).
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 7.1/10, 8.0 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), with a comparable rating. Additionally, East Yancey Middle (rated 5.5/10, 8.9 miles away, in nearby Burnsville), a more accessible option. 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 | 8.9 |
| Mitchell High Bakersville | 3.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 7.9 mi | 3.9 |
| Micaville Elementary Micaville | 8.0 mi | 3.1 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 8.0 mi | 7.1 |
| 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 | 5.8 |
| Burnsville Elementary Burnsville | 8.7 mi | 6.4 |
| East Yancey Middle Burnsville | 8.9 mi | 5.5 |
| GENESIS ACADEMY, INC. Burnsville | 9.1 mi | — |
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 9.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 10.4 mi | 8.0 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 9.7 mi | 6.9 |
| South Toe Elementary Burnsville | 11.9 mi | 6.0 |
| ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 13.2 mi | — |
| YANCEY COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 12.1 mi | 3.0 |
| Cloudland High School Roan Mountain | 13.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Mountain Heritage High Burnsville | 12.2 mi | 5.1 |
| Cloudland Elementary School Roan Mountain | 13.8 mi | 4.5 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bowman Middle has a median household income of $54,350. It is a community where 22% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $202,200, with a median rent of $855/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.9%. The average commute for residents is 27 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| FUSION CHARLOTTE Charlotte, NC | 7.6 |
| Franklinton Middle Franklinton, NC | 7.6 |
| Beaufort Middle Beaufort, NC | 7.5 |
| Elise Middle Robbins, NC | 7.7 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine, NC | 7.1 |
| Pamlico County Middle Bayboro, NC | 8.1 |
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 is ranked #677 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Bowman Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Bowman Middle has a composite rating of 7.6 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bowman Middle?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bowman Middle has 27.5% math proficiency and 45.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
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
- Phone
- (828) 766-3370
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Mitchell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 1,705
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,405
- District Rank
- #3 of 7
Other Schools in This District
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 methodologyRelated reading
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