West Virginia is the #42 largest school system in the United States, serving 246,085 students across the 701 public schools for the 2025-26 school year (there are 127 private schools, serving 13,968 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 34%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 41%.
The top-ranked public schools in West Virginia are Greenmont Elementary School, Smithville Elementary School, and Sherman 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 (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Greenmont Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
209 58th St
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Smithville Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-89% (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: #33.
Sherman Elementary School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (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: #44.
Holz Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1505 Hampton Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Rank: #55.
Criss Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (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: #66.
Hollywood Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (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: #77.
West Teays Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80% (Top 5%)
Reading: 69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
3676 Teays Valley Road
Hurricane, WV 25526
(304) 757-6711
Hurricane, WV 25526
(304) 757-6711
Rank: #88.
Evans Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%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: #99.
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-4
1858 Valley School Rd
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 367-2148
Fairmont, WV 26554
(304) 367-2148
Rank: #1010.
New Manchester Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-4
128 Frankfort Rd
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3242
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3242
Overview
This State (WV)
# Schools
701 Schools
# Students
246,085 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
18,657 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (WV)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
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
5,925 Students
% Hispanic Students
2%
# Black Students
10,432 Students
% Black Students
4%
# White Students
216,526 Students
% White Students
88%
# Hawaiian Students
143 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
# Two or more races Students
11,149 Students
% of Two or more races Students
5%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (WV)
Total Revenue
$3,933 MM
Spending
$3,730 MM
Revenue / Student
$15,982
Spending / Student
$15,156
Best West Virginia Public Schools by County (2025-26)
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, Smithville Elementary School, and Sherman Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in West Virginia?
701 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
Texas Schools Enrollment Trends & Policy in 2025
Latest data and policy changes on Texas public school enrollment growth, funding, and virtual education in 2025.
Financial Aid & Hidden Costs in Public Schools
Learn about financial aid and hidden costs in public schools. Discover what parents should budget for beyond tuition-free education.
NYC Schools Still Most Segregated in 2025
Despite reforms, New York City schools remain the most segregated in the U.S. in 2025. Here’s what parents and educators need to know.
