McDowell High School vs Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in North Carolina, United States, 291 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
Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi
Durham · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,384 students
| Measure | McDowell High School Marion, North Carolina | Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi Durham, North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 43 Lower 50% | 8 Lower 50% |
| State rank | #257 of 528 | #526 of 528 |
| National rank | #10254 of 16,910 | #16736 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 1,379 | 1,384 |
| Enrollment | 1,379 | 1,384 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 98.8% | 99.8% |
| Students per teacher | 15.9 | 21.3 |
| Reading proficiency | 53% | 23% |
| Math proficiency | 52% | 11% |
| city | Marion | Durham |
| state | North Carolina | North Carolina |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •McDowell High School scores higher on the Success Index (US) (42.8 vs 7.9).
- •McDowell High School does better on math proficiency (52% vs 11%).
- •McDowell High School does better on reading proficiency (53% vs 23%).
- •McDowell High School does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (98.8% vs 99.8%).
- •McDowell High School does better on students per teacher (15.9 vs 21.3).
- •Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi is the larger school with 1,384 students compared with 1,379.
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 McDowell High School better than Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi?
On the Success Index (US), McDowell High School ranks higher (42.8 vs 7.9 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 Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi?
About 291 km in a straight line, between Marion and Durham in North Carolina.
Which has the better Enrollment?
McDowell High School: 1,379. Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi: 1,384. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do McDowell High School and Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi rank in North Carolina?
McDowell High School is 257th of 528 and Southern School of Energy and Sustainabi is 526th of 528 among high schools in North Carolina on the 2025 Success Index (US).