West Virginia is the #42 largest school system in the United States, serving 251,546 students across the 697 public schools for the 2024-25 school year (there are 136 private schools, serving 14,291 students). 95% of all K-12 students in West Virginia attend public schools, compared to the national average of 89%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in West Virginia is 32%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 41%.
The top-ranked public schools in West Virginia are Greenmont Elementary School, Holz Elementary School, and Smithville Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 44 Blue Ribbon Schools, 685 magnet schools, 5 charter schools, and 1 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 11%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 14:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(WV) School Average
Asian
1%
Hispanic
2%
Black
4%
White
89%
Two or more races
4%
Top Ranked Public Schools in West Virginia (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Greenmont Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 80-84% (Top 1%)
Reading: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
209 58th St
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Vienna, WV 26105
(304) 420-9544
Rank: #22.
Holz Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
1505 Hampton Rd
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 348-1906
Rank: #33.
Smithville Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥80% (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: #4 - 54. - 5.
Hollywood Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (Top 1%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
412 Old Mill Road
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-4590
Beckley, WV 25801
(304) 256-4590
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Sherman Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 75-79% (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: #66.
Evans Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-5
205 School House Drive
Evans, WV 25241
(304) 372-7333
Evans, WV 25241
(304) 372-7333
Rank: #77.
Criss Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (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: #8 - 98. - 9.
C. W. Shipley Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
652 Shipley School Road
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 725-4395
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
(304) 725-4395
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Salem Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Reading: 65-69% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
273 Education Way
Salem, WV 26426
(304) 326-7180
Salem, WV 26426
(304) 326-7180
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Culloden Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
Math: 70-74% (Top 5%)
Reading: 60-64% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
19799 U.s. Route 60
Culloden, WV 25510
(304) 743-7301
Culloden, WV 25510
(304) 743-7301
Best West Virginia Public Schools by County (2024-25)
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, Holz Elementary School, and Smithville Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in West Virginia?
697 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 89%).
What is the racial composition of students in West Virginia?
Minority enrollment in West Virginia is 11%, 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, Fayetteville Pk-8 vs. New River Primary, Logan Senior High School vs. Chapmanville Regional High School
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