Best Clay Public Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,253 students in Clay, WV (there are 1 private school, serving 30 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Clay, WV are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay, WV are Clay County High School, Clay Elementary School and Clay Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay, WV public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the West Virginia public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Clay have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of West Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the West Virginia public school average of 13% (majority Black).

Best Public Schools in Clay, WV (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Clay County High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1 Panther Drive
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4226
Gr: 9-12 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #22.
Clay Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
219 Church Street
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4276
Gr: PK-5 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Clay Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
419 Church Street
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-2343
Gr: 6-8 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Clay, WV?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay, WV include Clay County High School, Clay Elementary School and Clay Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Clay?
3 public schools are located in Clay.
What percentage of students in Clay go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Clay are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay?
Clay public schools minority enrollment is 2% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the West Virginia public schools average of 13% (majority Black).

Recent Articles

How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
How Much Choice Do High School Students Have?
Learn how graduation requirements, prerequisites, electives, staffing, scheduling conflicts, AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways determine how much control high school students have over schedules each year.
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Does Your Child Need More Recess?
Explore whether your child may benefit more from recess than another academic period, including research on attention, learning, physical activity, stress, social development, and school-day balance today.
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Combined Grade Classrooms, What Parents Should Know
Learn how combined-grade classrooms work, why public schools use them, potential benefits and challenges, and the questions parents should ask before enrolling their child in one today.

Quick Links