For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 1,409 students in Clay County, WV (there are 2 private schools, serving 38 private students). 97% of all K-12 students in Clay County, WV are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, WV are Big Otter Elementary School, Clay County High School and Clay Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clay County, WV public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the West Virginia public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 42% statewide average). Schools in Clay County 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 County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Big Otter Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
59 Ossia Rd
Duck, WV 25063
(304) 286-3111
Duck, WV 25063
(304) 286-3111
Gr: PK-5 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #22.
Clay County High School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1 Panther Drive
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4226
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4226
Gr: 9-12 | 520 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Clay Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
219 Church Street
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4276
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-4276
Gr: PK-5 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #44.
Clay Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
419 Church Street
Clay, WV 25043
(304) 587-2343
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 County, WV?
The top-ranked public schools in Clay County, WV include Big Otter Elementary School, Clay County High School and Clay Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Clay County?
4 public schools are located in Clay County.
What percentage of students in Clay County go to public school?
97% of all K-12 students in Clay County are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in Clay County?
Clay County 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).
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