Serving 189 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Welch Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the West Virginia state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 189 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 21%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WV
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Welch Elementary School serves the eastern part of its school district in Welch, WV, covering an area of approximately 95.8 square miles. Families within this zone can expect a typical drive of 20-30 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 16.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
School Overview
Welch Elementary School's student population of 189 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
189 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Do Your Best! Be the Best!
School Rankings
Welch 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 Welch Elementary School is 0.36, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#523 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
34%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
3%
Black
10%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
White
79%
87%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
9%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)59.3%
33.8%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
50%
Showing 2009–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (11-12)
10%
8%
Showing 2003–2012. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Welch Elementary School's ranking?
Welch Elementary School is ranked #523 out of 617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Welch Elementary School often compared to?
Welch Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Iaeger Elementary School, Kimball Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% WV state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
How many students attend Welch Elementary School?
189 students attend Welch Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
79% of Welch Elementary School students are White, 10% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Welch Elementary School?
Welch Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Welch Elementary School offer ?
Welch Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Welch Elementary School part of?
Welch Elementary School is part of Mcdowell County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
We recently moved into the Welch area. We have 4 children, 3 who attend Welch Elementary. We previously lived in Virginia in a growing city outside of Washington D.C. I will have to admit that my fears of my children attending this school were great to say the least. They attended a public school in a county with 58 other elementary schools. Their school had the best scores in the entire county and was a school of excellence since it's opening. But, I will say that I am proud that my children attend Welch Elementary. Mr. Spence is the best principal my children have ever had. They love the school. One thing we have noticed visiting the school during school hours is the behavior of the students. All of the children seem to have a respect for the staff. The staff has control over the students. The cafeteria was extremely quiet and from what I could gather there were at least 5 classes in there at the time. My children have commented on how structured the school is. The amount of physical activity the children receive is great. They have P.E. once a day. There is sufficient extracurricular activities, but they don't out weigh the academics. I believe there should be fun but learning is the priority. I have noticed the entire staff seems to be there for the students and not the pay. They are there for the students education and not for the benefits. Which coming from a big city you find a lot of teachers who seem to not care about teaching the children. We are greatly excited about this school and look forward to many good years to come.
Thank you teachers and staff for giving my children the chance to receive a good education.
Mark & Tonia Muncy
Review Welch Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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