Draft:Foothills Community School
Public magnet middle school in Marion, North Carolina, United States
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Foothills Community School is a public magnet middle school located in Marion, North Carolina, United States. It serves students in grades 6 through 8 as part of the McDowell County Schools district. The school emphasizes project-based learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education through innovative academic programs and community engagement. [1]
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| Foothills Community School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
176 Lukin Street Marion , North Carolina United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public magnet middle school |
| Established | 2016 |
| School district | McDowell County Schools |
| Grades | 6–8 |
| Enrollment | 196 (2023–24) |
| Student to teacher ratio | 16.9 |
| Website | http://fcs.mcdowell.k12.nc.us |
History
Establishment and Early Growth
Foothills Community School opened in 2016 as an innovative middle school within the McDowell County Schools district, designed to integrate core academic standards with project-based learning and real-world experiences. [2]
In its first year of operation, the school's enrollment was approximately 78 students. Over the next two years, enrollment increased significantly, peaking at around 235 students in 2017 and 2018. [3] Some of the teachers from when it first started and still work there including Mr. HANK HUNT
Enrollment Trends
- 2016 – 78 students [3] - 2017–2018 – 235 students [3] - 2019–2023 – Enrollment stabilized between 182 and 198 students [3] - 2023–24 – 196 students [4]
Campus Relocation
In earlier years, Foothills Community School was listed under an older campus location in Marion. By the 2023–24 school year, its official address and campus location is recorded as 176 Lukin Street, Marion, NC 28752. [4]
Mission and Educational Approach
Foothills Community School’s mission focuses on student-centered, application-based learning, integrating academic standards with collaborative projects that connect school learning to real-world contexts. According to the school’s handbook, teachers engage students in problem-solving activities that reflect individual strengths, passions, and interests. [5] The school emphasizes partnerships among home, school, and community to support student development. [5]
Academic Performance
Foothills Community School is ranked among the top 20 percent of public schools in North Carolina based on combined state testing in math and reading. In the 2023–24 school year, math and reading proficiency rates were 65–69 percent, above the state averages of approximately 51 percent and 50 percent, respectively. Science proficiency was 85–89 percent, placing it among the top 10 percent in the state. [3]
Attendance and Culture Improvements
To improve student attendance, Foothills Community School implemented targeted strategies such as personalized communication with families, mentorship programs, and incentives for attendance. These efforts significantly reduced chronic absenteeism and increased perfect attendance among students. [2]
Recognition and Awards
In April 2025, Foothills Community School was awarded a National Lieutenant Governor’s Association (NLGA) Lt. Governors STEM Scholarship, one of 12 schools in the United States recognized that year for excellence in STEM education. The school used the scholarship funds to enhance mobile STEM lab programming, including robotics, coding, and engineering activities. [6] The school is also designated as a North Carolina Model STEM School of Distinction. [2]
Demographics
As of the 2023–24 school year, the school enrolled 196 students in grades 6–8, with minority enrollment making up approximately 13 percent of the student body. The diversity score is below the North Carolina state average. About 45 percent of students qualify for free lunch programs. [3]
Administration
Foothills Community School is administered under the McDowell County Schools district. Leadership roles include principal and administrative staff as detailed in the official student handbook. [5]