Average
#1101 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 42% in state
Marion Elementary School
Elementary School · McDowell County Schools
209 Robert Street, Marion, NC 28752
Enrollment
356
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
356
Student-Teacher
15.5:1
Score
6.8
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,101 of 2,648
In Marion
#5 of 13
public schools
In district
#6 of 15
McDowell County Schools
Equity
9.2 / 10
Excellent
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Marion Elementary School
Elementary School in Marion · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
New Manna Christian School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
East Mcdowell Middle School
0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Marion Elementary School
Marion Elementary School is a public elementary school in Marion, NC, part of McDowell County Schools. Marion Elementary School serves approximately 356 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 15.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Marion Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 out of 10 and ranks #1,101 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Marion Elementary School show 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.8 · Average
- District avg 6.3
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
37% of students at Marion 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 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Marion Elementary School — Students at Marion Elementary School score 64% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 36 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: 6.4/10.
How Marion Elementary School Compares
See how Marion Elementary School 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
209 Robert Street, Marion, NC 28752
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Marion Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Eastfield Global Magnet School (rated 8.2/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Greenlee Primary (rated 8.0/10, 13.6 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Old Fort Elementary School (rated 7.7/10, 10.7 miles away, in nearby Old Fort), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Marion, see our Marion schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 15.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| NEW MANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Marion | 0.2 mi | 4.2 |
| East McDowell Middle School Marion | 0.7 mi | 4.8 |
| Eastfield Global Magnet School Marion | 1.2 mi | 8.2 |
| McDowell High School Marion | 1.7 mi | 6.2 |
| West McDowell Middle School Marion | 2.0 mi | 5.5 |
| McDowell Virtual Academy Marion | 2.0 mi | 2.3 |
| Foothills Community School Marion | 2.5 mi | 8.6 |
| McDowell Early College Marion | 3.5 mi | 9.0 |
| McDowell Academy for Innovation Marion | 3.5 mi | 9.4 |
| Pleasant Gardens Elementary School Marion | 3.6 mi | 6.2 |
| Nebo Elementary School Nebo | 4.7 mi | 6.5 |
| Glenwood Elementary School Marion | 5.6 mi | 5.1 |
| West Marion Elementary School Marion | 5.7 mi | 5.7 |
| North Cove Elementary School Marion | 7.0 mi | 4.5 |
| Old Fort Elementary School Old Fort | 10.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 13.6 mi | 8.0 |
| NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Union Mills | 13.9 mi | — |
| SILVERCREEK ADVENTIST SCHOOL Morganton | 12.2 mi | 5.9 |
| ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 13.5 mi | — |
| Pinnacle Elementary School Rutherfordton | 15.6 mi | 7.1 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Appalachian Academy at Middle Fork Walkertown, NC | 6.8 |
| B O Barnes Elementary Wilson, NC | 6.8 |
| Bethlehem Elementary Taylorsville, NC | 6.8 |
| Bruce H. Tharrington Primary Mount Airy, NC | 6.8 |
| Cartoogechaye Elementary Franklin, NC | 6.8 |
| Douglass Elementary Eden, NC | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Marion Elementary School
What grades does Marion Elementary School serve?
Marion Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Marion Elementary School?
Marion Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 356 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Marion Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Marion Elementary School is 15.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Marion Elementary School rank in NC?
Marion Elementary School ranks #1,101 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Marion Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Marion Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.8 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 Marion Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Marion Elementary School has 62% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 54% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Marion Elementary School a charter school?
No, Marion Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Marion Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Marion Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Marion Elementary School?
99.2% of students at Marion 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.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 356
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 15.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 23
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- McDowell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 36.5%
- Phone
- (828) 652-2141
Resources & Links
District
McDowell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,661
- Schools in District
- 15
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,112
- District Rank
- #6 of 15
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