Foothills Community School vs West McDowell Middle School
A head-to-head comparison of two middle schools in North Carolina, United States, 4.7 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
West McDowell Middle School
Marion · Public middle · Grades 6–8
550 students
| Measure | Foothills Community School Marion, North Carolina | West McDowell Middle School Marion, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 36 Lower 50% | 34 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #203 of 469 | #223 of 469 |
| National rank | #10704 of 15,369 | #11018 of 15,369 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | Middle | Middle |
| Year range | Grades 6–8 | Grades 6–8 |
| Students | 200 | 550 |
| Enrollment | 200 | 550 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.5% | 99.5% |
| Students per teacher | 18.2 | 15.7 |
| Reading proficiency | 57% | 45% |
| Math proficiency | 32% | 40% |
| city | Marion | Marion |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Foothills Community School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (35.7 vs 34.3).
- •West McDowell Middle School does better on math proficiency (40% vs 32%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on reading proficiency (57% vs 45%).
- •Foothills Community School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.5% vs 99.5%).
- •West McDowell Middle School does better on students per teacher (15.7 vs 18.2).
- •West McDowell Middle School is the larger school with 550 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 West McDowell Middle School?
On the Success Index (US), Foothills Community School ranks higher (35.7 vs 34.3 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 West McDowell Middle School?
About 4.7 km in a straight line, between Marion and Marion in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Foothills Community School: 200. West McDowell Middle School: 550. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Foothills Community School and West McDowell Middle School rank in North Carolina?
Foothills Community School is 203rd of 469 and West McDowell Middle School is 223rd of 469 among middle schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).