West Virginia is the #42 largest school system in the United States, serving 246,379 students across the 702 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 128 private schools, serving 14,036 students). 95% of all K-12 students in West Virginia attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in West Virginia is 32%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 41%.
The top-ranked public schools in West Virginia are Greenmont Elementary School, Holz Elementary School, and Smithville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 12%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 13:1.
Top Ranked Public Schools in West Virginia (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Greenmont Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
209 58th St
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Rank: #22.
Holz Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1505 Hampton Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Rank: #33.
Smithville Elementary School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥80% (Top 1%)
Reading: 60-79% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-4
157 Main Street
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Hollywood Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
412 Old Mill Rd
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-4590
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-4590
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sherman Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
7487 Coal River Road
Comfort, WV 25049
(304) 837-8310
Comfort, WV 25049
(304) 837-8310
Rank: #66.
Evans Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
205 Schoolhouse Dr
Evans, WV 25241
(304) 372-7333
Evans, WV 25241
(304) 372-7333
Rank: #77.
Criss Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 70-74% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
2800 22nd St
Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 420-9522
Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 420-9522
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
C. W. Shipley Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
652 Shipley School Rd
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 725-4395
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 725-4395
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Salem Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
273 Education Way
Salem, WV 26426
(304) 326-7180
Salem, WV 26426
(304) 326-7180
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Culloden Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
19799 Us Route 60
Culloden, WV 25510
(304) 743-7301
Culloden, WV 25510
(304) 743-7301
Overview
This State (WV)
# Schools
702 Schools
# Students
246,379 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
18,676 Teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (WV)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
Graduation Rate
91%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.22
# American Indian Students
228 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
# Asian Students
1,682 Students
% Asian Students
1%
# Hispanic Students
5,929 Students
% Hispanic Students
2%
# Black Students
10,433 Students
% Black Students
4%
# White Students
216,811 Students
% White Students
88%
# Hawaiian Students
143 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
11,153 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (WV)
Total Revenue (22-23)
$3,933 MM
Spending (22-23)
$3,730 MM
Revenue / Student (22-23)
$15,963
Spending / Student (22-23)
$15,138
Best West Virginia Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: First Ward (3 schools), Davin (2 schools), Berryville (1 schools), North View (1 schools), Evansdale (1 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in West Virginia?
The top-ranked public schools in West Virginia include Greenmont Elementary School, Holz Elementary School, and Smithville Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in West Virginia?
702 public schools are located in West Virginia.
What percentage of students in West Virginia go to public school?
95% of all K-12 students in West Virginia attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in West Virginia?
Minority enrollment in West Virginia is 12%, with the majority being Black.
Which public schools in West Virginia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in West Virginia include: New River Primary vs. Fayetteville Pk-8, Logan Senior High School vs. Chapmanville Regional High School, University High School vs. Morgantown High School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.
