Watson Elementary School

1579 Mary Lou Retton Dr
Fairmont, WV 26554
(School attendance zone shown in map)
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 383 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, Watson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 35-39% (which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13% (majority Black).

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 383 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 26%
  • : Bottom 50% in WV
  • : 35-39% (Top 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

School Overview

Watson Elementary School's student population of 383 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
383 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
'Truth and Honor'

School Rankings

Watson Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 617 schools in West Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Watson Elementary School is 0.43, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.23. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (WV)
#393 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
35-39%
34%
30-34%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
1%
Hispanic
2%
3%
Black
8%
4%
White
74%
87%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
15%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.43
(22-23)
38.9%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
71%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Watson Elementary School's ranking?
Watson Elementary School is ranked #393 out of 617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Watson Elementary School often compared to?
Watson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jayenne Elementary School, White Hall Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% WV state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
How many students attend Watson Elementary School?
383 students attend Watson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
74% of Watson Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Black, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Watson Elementary School?
Watson Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Watson Elementary School offer ?
Watson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Watson Elementary School part of?
Watson Elementary School is part of Marion County Schools.

School Reviews

Review Watson Elementary School. 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
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-4
  • Enrollment: 383 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 26%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 35-39% (Top 50%)
  • : 30-34% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education

Quick Links