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Average

#1961 of 2,648 schools in NC

Glenwood Elementary School

Elementary School · McDowell County Schools

1545 Old Hwy 221 South, Marion, NC 28752

Enrollment

429

Student-Teacher

14.3:1

Score

5.1

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#1,961 of 2,648

In Marion

#10 of 13

public schools

In district

#12 of 15

McDowell County Schools

School environment

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Glenwood Elementary School

5.1/10

Elementary School in Marion · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Mcdowell Early College

9.0/10

3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Mcdowell Academy for Innovation

9.4/10

3.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Glenwood Elementary School

Glenwood Elementary School is a public elementary school in Marion, NC, part of McDowell County Schools. Glenwood Elementary School serves approximately 429 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 14.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Glenwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 out of 10 and ranks #1,961 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Glenwood Elementary School show 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 5.1 · Average
  • District avg 6.3
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Glenwood Elementary School 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.

32% of students at Glenwood Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.5Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data15
Annual Change-2.22 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics6.3Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency51.1% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency47.8% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-12.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+1.2 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)46% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+3.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile47th
Resources & Environment7.1Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,112
Chronic Absenteeism31.9%

Glenwood Elementary School — Students at Glenwood Elementary School score 49% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

99.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 53.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
59.4% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 53.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
52.7% (2025 NC)

Based on 36 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
89%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
89%
ELA
81%
2011
Math
90%
ELA
82%
2012
Math
43%
ELA
46%
2013
Math
38%
ELA
51%
2014
Math
42%
ELA
57%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
47%
2017
Math
57%
ELA
52%
2018
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2019
Math
42%
ELA
47%
2020*
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2021*
Math
37%
ELA
47%
2022
Math
50.7%
ELA
47%
2025
Math
51.2%
ELA
48.1%

* 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: 3.5/10.

How Glenwood Elementary School Compares

See how Glenwood Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.1/10
26th percentile in NC
Academic
6.3/10
Average
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
7.1/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
99%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.9%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

1545 Old Hwy 221 South, Marion, NC 28752

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Glenwood Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Eastfield Global Magnet School (rated 8.2/10, 5.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Old Fort Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 11.2 miles away, in nearby Old Fort), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Pinnacle Elementary School (rated 7.1/10, 10.3 miles away, in nearby Rutherfordton), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Marion, see our Marion schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 14.6 mi
School Distance Rating
McDowell Early College Marion 3.2 mi 9.0
McDowell Academy for Innovation Marion 3.2 mi 9.4
Foothills Community School Marion 4.1 mi 8.6
Eastfield Global Magnet School Marion 5.0 mi 8.2
East McDowell Middle School Marion 5.2 mi 4.8
NEW MANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Marion 5.3 mi 4.2
West Marion Elementary School Marion 4.5 mi 5.7
Marion Elementary School Marion 5.6 mi 6.8
McDowell High School Marion 6.5 mi 6.2
West McDowell Middle School Marion 6.9 mi 5.5
McDowell Virtual Academy Marion 6.9 mi 2.3
Nebo Elementary School Nebo 7.6 mi 6.5
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School Marion 7.4 mi 6.2
NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Union Mills 8.4 mi
Pinnacle Elementary School Rutherfordton 10.3 mi 7.1
PINE RIDGE MENNONITE SCHOOL Rutherfordton 11.3 mi
North Cove Elementary School Marion 12.5 mi 4.5
Old Fort Elementary School Old Fort 11.2 mi 7.7
THE LEARNING CENTER Morganton 11.7 mi
R-S Central High School Rutherfordton 14.6 mi 6.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28752 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,036

Median Home Value

$166,100

Median Rent

$712/mo

Population

30,602

College Educated

16.3%

Homeownership

71.8%

Avg Commute

24.5 min

Poverty Rate

15.2%

Median Age

41.6

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Cumberland Road Elementary Fayetteville, NC 5.1
Donna L Loflin Elementary Asheboro, NC 5.1
Edneyville Elementary Hendersonville, NC 5.1
Griffith Elementary Winston-Salem, NC 5.1
Hiddenite Elementary Hiddenite, NC 5.1
Morganton Road Elementary Fayetteville, NC 5.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Glenwood Elementary School

What grades does Glenwood Elementary School serve?

Glenwood Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Glenwood Elementary School?

Glenwood Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 429 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Glenwood Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Glenwood Elementary School is 14.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Glenwood Elementary School rank in NC?

Glenwood Elementary School ranks #1,961 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Glenwood Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Glenwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.1 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 Glenwood Elementary School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Glenwood Elementary School has 53% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Glenwood Elementary School a charter school?

No, Glenwood Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Glenwood Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Glenwood Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Glenwood Elementary School?

99.3% of students at Glenwood Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
11 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
16 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
429
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
McDowell County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.9%

District

McDowell County Schools
District Enrollment
5,661
Schools in District
15
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,112
District Rank
#12 of 15

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