Foothills Community School vs McDowell Early College
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 Early College
Marion · Public high · Grades 9–13
241 students
| Measure | Foothills Community School Marion, North Carolina | McDowell Early College Marion, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 36 Lower 50% | 57 Top 50% |
| State rank | #203 of 469 | #151 of 528 |
| National rank | #10704 of 15,369 | #6549 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | High |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 9–13 |
| Students | 200 | 241 |
| Enrollment | 200 | 241 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.5% | 98.8% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 20.1 |
| Reading proficiency | 57% | 82% |
| Math proficiency | 32% | 72% |
| city | Marion | Marion |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McDowell Early College scores higher on the Success Index (US) (57.1 vs 35.7).
- •McDowell Early College does better on math proficiency (72% vs 32%).
- •McDowell Early College does better on reading proficiency (82% vs 57%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.5% vs 98.8%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on students per teacher (18.2 vs 20.1).
- •McDowell Early College is the larger school with 241 students compared with 200.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Foothills Community School better than McDowell Early College?
On the Success Index (US), McDowell Early College ranks higher (57.1 vs 35.7 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 Early College?
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 Early College: 241. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Foothills Community School and McDowell Early College rank in North Carolina?
Foothills Community School is 203rd of 469 and McDowell Early College is 151st of 528 among middle schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).