McDowell High School vs Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North Carolina, United States, 3.1 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
McDowell High School
Marion · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,379 students
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
Marion · Public elementary · Grades PK–5
289 students
| Measure | McDowell High School Marion, North Carolina | Pleasant Gardens Elementary School Marion, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 43 Lower 50% | 35 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #257 of 528 | #644 of 1,457 |
| National rank | #10254 of 16,910 | #35464 of 50,301 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | Elementary |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades PK–5 |
| Students | 1,379 | 289 |
| Enrollment | 1,379 | 289 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.8% | 99% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 13.8 |
| Reading proficiency | 53% | 47% |
| Math proficiency | 52% | 37% |
| city | Marion | Marion |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McDowell High School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (42.8 vs 34.7).
- •McDowell High School does better on math proficiency (52% vs 37%).
- •McDowell High School does better on reading proficiency (53% vs 47%).
- •McDowell High School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.8% vs 99%).
- •Pleasant Gardens Elementary School does better on students per teacher (13.8 vs 15.9).
- •McDowell High School is the larger school with 1,379 students compared with 289.
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 McDowell High School better than Pleasant Gardens Elementary School?
On the Success Index (US), McDowell High School ranks higher (42.8 vs 34.7 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 McDowell High School and Pleasant Gardens Elementary School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Marion and Marion in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
McDowell High School: 1,379. Pleasant Gardens Elementary School: 289. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do McDowell High School and Pleasant Gardens Elementary School rank in North Carolina?
McDowell High School is 257th of 528 and Pleasant Gardens Elementary School is 644th of 1,457 among high schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).