For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,159 students in Ritchie County, WV (there are 1 private school, serving 10 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Ritchie County, WV are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
The top ranked public schools in Ritchie County, WV are Smithville Elementary School, Harrisville Elementary School and Ritchie County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ritchie County, WV public schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the West Virginia public school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 41% statewide average). Schools in Ritchie County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of West Virginia public schools.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the West Virginia public school average of 12% (majority Black).
Best Public Schools in Ritchie County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Smithville Elementary School
(Math: ≥80% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
157 Main Street
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Grades: PK-4
| 94 students
Rank: #22.
Harrisville Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
95 Elementary Drive
Harrisville, WV 26362
(304) 643-2220
Harrisville, WV 26362
(304) 643-2220
Grades: PK-4
| 211 students
Rank: #33.
Ritchie County High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 Ritchie County School Rd
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3526
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3526
Grades: 9-12
| 348 students
Rank: #44.
Creed Collins Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
512 Collins Ave
Pennsboro, WV 26415
(304) 659-2140
Pennsboro, WV 26415
(304) 659-2140
Grades: PK-4
| 204 students
Rank: #55.
Ritchie County Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 Ritchie County School Rd
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3512
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3512
Grades: 5-8
| 302 students
Ritchie County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
100 School Street
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3305
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3305
Grades: PK-5
| 104 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Ritchie County, WV?
The top ranked public schools in Ritchie County, WV include Smithville Elementary School, Harrisville Elementary School and Ritchie County High School.
How many public schools are located in Ritchie County?
5 public schools are located in Ritchie County.
What percentage of students in Ritchie County go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Ritchie County are educated in public schools (compared to the WV state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in Ritchie County?
Ritchie County public schools minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the West Virginia public schools average of 12% (majority Black).
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