Choosing the right elementary school is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. You want a school where your child feels supported, inspired, and academically challenged. West Virginia’s close-knit communities and student-centered classrooms make the state a great place for early learning—and this guide highlights the best of the best.
Below are top elementary schools in West Virginia, each offering strong academics, nurturing environments, and dedicated teachers who help young learners thrive.
Student–Teacher Ratio Comparison
A quick visual snapshot comparing West Virginia, top West Virginia schools, and the U.S. national average.
| Educational Metric | WV State Average | Top 10 WV Schools (Your List) | US National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student–Teacher Ratio |
~1:13.9
|
~9:1 to 14:1
|
~1:16
|
What This Means
- West Virginia already performs better than the national average in class size.
- Your top 10 schools have ratios lower than both the state and national averages, meaning students get more individualized attention.
This further reinforces West Virginia’s strong commitment to personalized learning, especially in its top-performing schools.
⭐ 1. Evans Elementary School – Evans, WV
Address: 205 School House Dr, Evans, WV 25241
Ranking: #1 Best Elementary School in West Virginia
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~11:1
You can read more about this school here
Evans Elementary leads the list with exceptional academic performance, a family-like atmosphere, and a strong commitment to student growth. With small class sizes and a dedicated teaching staff, students receive personalized support. Evans is also a National Blue Ribbon School, showcasing excellence recognized at the national level.
⭐ 2. Holz Elementary School – Charleston, WV
Address: 1505 Hampton Rd, Charleston, WV 25314
Ranking: #2 Best Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~14:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Holz Elementary delivers impressive proficiency scores and a warm, supportive school culture. Known for strong reading and math outcomes, enrichment programs, and an active PTA, this school balances structure with creativity—making it a great fit for young learners.
⭐ 3. Criss Elementary School – Parkersburg, WV
Address: 2800 22nd St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Ranking: #3 Best Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~13:1
View the school’s complete information here
Criss Elementary is loved for its dedicated teachers, friendly environment, and consistent academic performance. Students benefit from strong foundational learning and a community that celebrates growth and curiosity.
⭐ 4. Culloden Elementary School – Culloden, WV
Address: 19799 US Route 60, Culloden, WV 25510
Ranking: #4 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~11:1
Explore full details about this school here
Culloden Elementary is a National Blue Ribbon honoree, recognized for outstanding achievement in core academic subjects. The school offers a nurturing environment, small class sizes, and a community that works together to help every child succeed.
⭐ 5. Greenmont Elementary School – Vienna, WV
Address: 209 58th St, Vienna, WV 26105
Ranking: #5 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~13:1
You can read more about this school here
Greenmont Elementary stands out for its excellent reading and math proficiency levels and its hands-on approach to learning. Students enjoy a variety of learning experiences, including outdoor classrooms, while parents appreciate the supportive school culture.
⭐ 6. New Manchester Elementary School – New Manchester, WV
Address: 128 Frankfort Rd, New Cumberland, WV 26047
Ranking: #6 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~14:1
To get more insights about this school, refer to this link
New Manchester Elementary is known for its warm environment, strong foundational learning, and consistent academic results. The school fosters confidence and curiosity, helping students feel prepared and supported throughout their early years.
⭐ 7. Sherman Elementary School – Comfort, WV
Address: 7487 Coal River Rd, Comfort, WV 25049
Ranking: #7 Best Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~11:1
Click here to learn more about this school
Sherman Elementary blends strong academics with character education. The school’s staff emphasizes teamwork, respect, and lifelong learning. With solid proficiency scores, students build strong academic and social foundations.
⭐ 8. Hollywood Elementary School – Beckley, WV
Address: 412 Old Mill Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
Ranking: #8 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~14:1
Read more information about this school
Hollywood Elementary has earned praise for its inclusive culture and strong proficiency levels. The school provides a balanced environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow.
⭐ 9. C.W. Shipley Elementary School – Harpers Ferry, WV
Address: 652 Shipley School Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Ranking: #9 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~14:1
Discover more about this school here
W. Shipley is a two-time National Blue Ribbon School (2014, 2022), showcasing exceptional academic achievement and a strong sense of community. Students enjoy creative learning experiences, including outdoor amphitheaters and memory gardens.
⭐ 10. Salem Elementary School – Salem, WV
Address: 273 Education Way, Salem, WV 26426
Ranking: #10 Elementary School in WV
Student–Teacher Ratio: ~9:1
You can read more about this school here
Salem Elementary offers one of the most personalized learning environments on the list, thanks to its very favorable student–teacher ratio. With strong math and reading performance and a Gifted & Talented program, the school supports diverse learning needs.
🌟 Local Legacy Spotlight: The Parkersburg High Connection
Students from schools like Criss Elementary often move into Parkersburg’s highly respected educational pipeline—one known for producing exceptional achievers.
Here are some notable alumni from Parkersburg High School, the school Criss Elementary feeds into:
- Nick Swisher (Class of 1999) – Former MLB Player & World Series Champion
- Glen Gainer Jr. (Class of 1945) – Former West Virginia State Auditor
- Brenton Strange (Class of 2019) – Current NFL Player (Jacksonville Jaguars)
This legacy showcases the strong academic and extracurricular foundation laid early at schools like Criss Elementary.
✨ National Achievement Spotlight
This list includes three National Blue Ribbon Schools:
- Evans Elementary
- Culloden Elementary
- C.W. Shipley Elementary
The National Blue Ribbon Award—given by the U.S. Department of Education—recognizes schools for overall academic excellence and closing achievement gaps. Having multiple honorees on this list highlights just how strong West Virginia’s leading elementary schools truly are.
Conclusion
West Virginia’s top elementary schools offer a mix of nurturing environments, strong academic performance, and dedicated teachers who truly care. With low student–teacher ratios, personalized learning, and nationally recognized excellence, these ten schools stand out as exceptional places for children to begin their educational journeys.
Whether you’re drawn to the award-winning performance of Evans and Shipley, the community warmth of Greenmont and Criss, or the individualized approach at Salem Elementary, each school offers something special.
In the end, the right school is the one where your child feels encouraged, inspired, and excited to learn every single day.
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