For the 2025-26 school year, there are 10 public elementary schools serving 3,269 students in Marion, NC.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Marion, NC are Foothills Community School, Marion Elementary School and Eastfield Global Magnet School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Marion, NC public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 49% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in Marion have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Marion, NC (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Foothills Community School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
176 Lukin Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-1040
Gr: 6-8 | 196 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Marion Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
209 Robert Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-2141
Gr: PK-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #33.
Eastfield Global Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
170 Eastfield School Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3730
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #44.
Glenwood Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1545 Old Hwy 221 South
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-4220
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #55.
North Cove Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 American Thread Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 756-4342
Gr: PK-5 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #66.
Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
100 John Roach Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 724-4422
Gr: PK-5 | 309 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
East Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
676 State Street
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-7711
Gr: 6-8 | 411 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #88.
West Mcdowell Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-8 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #99.
West Marion Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
820 Marler Road
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 738-3353
Gr: PK-5 | 393 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #1010.
Mcdowell Virtual Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
346 West Mcdowell Junior High
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-3390
Gr: 6-12 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Marion, NC?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Marion, NC include Foothills Community School, Marion Elementary School and Eastfield Global Magnet School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Marion?
10 public elementary schools are located in Marion.
What is the racial composition of students in Marion?
Marion public elementary schools minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Marion are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Marion include: West Mcdowell Middle School vs. East Mcdowell Middle School, East Mcdowell Middle School vs. West Mcdowell Middle School, Foothills Community School vs. West Mcdowell Middle School
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.
