Foothills Community School vs McDowell Academy for Innovation
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North Carolina, United States, 5.9 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Foothills Community School
Marion · Public middle · Grades 6–8
200 students
McDowell Academy for Innovation
Marion · Public high · Grades 9–13
158 students
| Measure | Foothills Community School Marion, North Carolina | McDowell Academy for Innovation Marion, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 36 Lower 50% | 18 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #203 of 469 | #475 of 528 |
| National rank | #10704 of 15,369 | #15565 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | High |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 9–13 |
| Students | 200 | 158 |
| Enrollment | 200 | 158 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.5% | 98.1% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 22.6 |
| Reading proficiency | 57% | 30% |
| Math proficiency | 32% | 24.5% |
| city | Marion | Marion |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Foothills Community School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (35.7 vs 18.3).
- •Foothills Community School does better on math proficiency (32% vs 24.5%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on reading proficiency (57% vs 30%).
- •McDowell Academy for Innovation does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.1% vs 98.5%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on students per teacher (18.2 vs 22.6).
- •Foothills Community School is the larger school with 200 students compared with 158.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Foothills Community School better than McDowell Academy for Innovation?
On the Success Index (US), Foothills Community School ranks higher (35.7 vs 18.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Foothills Community School and McDowell Academy for Innovation?
About 5.9 km in a straight line, between Marion and Marion in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Foothills Community School: 200. McDowell Academy for Innovation: 158. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Foothills Community School and McDowell Academy for Innovation rank in North Carolina?
Foothills Community School is 203rd of 469 and McDowell Academy for Innovation is 475th of 528 among middle schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).