Serving 99 students in grades 6-12, Mcdowell Virtual Academy ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 50:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 10% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 99 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 50:1
- Minority Enrollment: 10%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mcdowell Virtual Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Mcdowell Virtual Academy's student population of 99 students has declined by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 2 teachers has declined by 71% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
99 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
2 teachers
School Rankings
Mcdowell Virtual Academy ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mcdowell Virtual Academy is 0.19, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1865 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
50:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
1%
21%
Black
4%
25%
White
90%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
86%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
68%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mcdowell Virtual Academy's ranking?
Mcdowell Virtual Academy is ranked #1865 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mcdowell Virtual Academy?
The graduation rate of Mcdowell Virtual Academy is 80%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Mcdowell Virtual Academy?
99 students attend Mcdowell Virtual Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
90% of Mcdowell Virtual Academy students are White, 4% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mcdowell Virtual Academy?
Mcdowell Virtual Academy has a student ration of 50:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mcdowell Virtual Academy offer ?
Mcdowell Virtual Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is Mcdowell Virtual Academy part of?
Mcdowell Virtual Academy is part of Mcdowell County Schools School District.
School Reviews
Review Mcdowell Virtual Academy. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
