Below Average
#2202 of 2,648 schools in NC
North Cove Elementary School
Elementary School · McDowell County Schools
401 American Thread Road, Marion, NC 28752
Enrollment
221
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
4.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
221
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
4.5
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,202 of 2,648
In Marion
#12 of 13
public schools
In district
#14 of 15
McDowell County Schools
School environment
7.1 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around North Cove Elementary School?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
North Cove Elementary School
Elementary School in Marion · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
West Mcdowell Middle School
6.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Mcdowell Virtual Academy
6.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About North Cove Elementary School
North Cove Elementary School is a public elementary school in Marion, NC, part of McDowell County Schools. North Cove Elementary School serves approximately 221 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 13.8:1 student-teacher ratio. North Cove Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 out of 10 and ranks #2,202 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for North Cove Elementary School show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 4.5 · Below Average
- District avg 6.3
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
North Cove 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.
35% of students at North Cove 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
North Cove Elementary School — Students at North Cove Elementary School score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.6%
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: 3.2/10.
How North Cove Elementary School Compares
See how North Cove 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
401 American Thread Road, Marion, NC 28752
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Cove Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Eastfield Global Magnet School (rated 8.2/10, 7.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Greenlee Primary (rated 8.0/10, 6.6 miles away, in nearby Spruce Pine), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Marion Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 7.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Marion, see our Marion schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 8.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| West McDowell Middle School Marion | 6.2 mi | 5.5 |
| McDowell Virtual Academy Marion | 6.2 mi | 2.3 |
| McDowell High School Marion | 6.4 mi | 6.2 |
| Greenlee Primary Spruce Pine | 6.6 mi | 8.0 |
| Marion Elementary School Marion | 7.0 mi | 6.8 |
| Pleasant Gardens Elementary School Marion | 7.0 mi | 6.2 |
| NEW MANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Marion | 7.2 mi | 4.2 |
| East McDowell Middle School Marion | 7.4 mi | 4.8 |
| Eastfield Global Magnet School Marion | 7.6 mi | 8.2 |
| TRI-COUNTY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 8.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Nebo Elementary School Nebo | 7.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Foothills Community School Marion | 9.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Harris Middle Spruce Pine | 8.8 mi | 6.4 |
| SPRUCE PINE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Spruce Pine | 9.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Deyton Elementary Spruce Pine | 8.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Mayland Early College Spruce Pine | 10.1 mi | 7.8 |
| BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Spruce Pine | 10.2 mi | 7.0 |
| McDowell Early College Marion | 10.1 mi | 9.0 |
| McDowell Academy for Innovation Marion | 10.1 mi | 9.4 |
| ARTHUR MORGAN SCHOOL Burnsville | 8.8 mi | — |
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 |
|---|---|
| Buies Creek Elementary Buies Creek, NC | 4.5 |
| Community School of Digital & Visual Art Durham, NC | 4.5 |
| ASHEVILLE-PISGAH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Candler, NC | 4.6 |
| Buckland Elementary Gates, NC | 4.4 |
| Fairview Elementary Rocky Mount, NC | 4.4 |
| Hillcrest Elementary Morganton, NC | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Cove Elementary School
What grades does North Cove Elementary School serve?
North Cove Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend North Cove Elementary School?
North Cove Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 221 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Cove Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at North Cove Elementary School is 13.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does North Cove Elementary School rank in NC?
North Cove Elementary School ranks #2,202 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is North Cove Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
North Cove Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.5 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 North Cove Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, North Cove Elementary School has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 51% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is North Cove Elementary School a charter school?
No, North Cove Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Cove Elementary School a Title I school?
No, North Cove Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Cove Elementary School?
98.6% of students at North Cove 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 221
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 16
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- McDowell County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 34.8%
- Phone
- (828) 756-4342
Resources & Links
District
McDowell County Schools- District Enrollment
- 5,661
- Schools in District
- 15
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,112
- District Rank
- #14 of 15
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.