Foothills Community School vs McDowell High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North Carolina, United States, 4.2 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 High School
Marion · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,379 students
| Measure | Foothills Community School Marion, North Carolina | McDowell High School Marion, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 36 Lower 50% | 43 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #203 of 469 | #257 of 528 |
| National rank | #10704 of 15,369 | #10254 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | High |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 200 | 1,379 |
| Enrollment | 200 | 1,379 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.5% | 98.8% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 15.9 |
| Reading proficiency | 57% | 53% |
| Math proficiency | 32% | 52% |
| city | Marion | Marion |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McDowell High School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (42.8 vs 35.7).
- •McDowell High School does better on math proficiency (52% vs 32%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on reading proficiency (57% vs 53%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.5% vs 98.8%).
- •McDowell High School does better on students per teacher (15.9 vs 18.2).
- •McDowell High School is the larger school with 1,379 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 High School?
On the Success Index (US), McDowell High School ranks higher (42.8 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 High School?
About 4.2 km in a straight line, between Marion and Marion in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Foothills Community School: 200. McDowell High School: 1,379. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Foothills Community School and McDowell High School rank in North Carolina?
Foothills Community School is 203rd of 469 and McDowell High School is 257th of 528 among middle schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).