2023 Best Public High Schools in West Virginia

• Monongalia County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  356 reviews

Senior: Morgantown High School thrives with opportunities on every level. There is variety of AP classes and college courses available for everyone. In college, I plan on majoring in biological sciences or health science, and coming out of Morgantown High School I have already had six different science classes to prepare for my studies. I feel confident going into college due to these class opportunities and the effective teachers. Not only did I love the academics at MHS, I loved the available extracurriculars. There are so many diverse options compared to other West Virginia schools. I played volleyball all four years of high school. At MHS, I got to perform at a high level of volleyball in West Virginia along with other states, and in the state championship. This school not only allowed me to experience competition but how important leadership and school spirit can be. The gym was packed on game days. Morgantown is a huge community and that has been what I loved most about it.... Read 356 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,847

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Harrison County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  277 reviews

Senior: The academics are incredible. A majority of the teachers want you to succeed and help you reach your maximum academic potential. The only reason I deduct a star is due to the students. The area has more money than other parts of the state and it shows through the students. They can be rude and condescending; it has effected my mental health for years. Since it is a triple A school now, there are plenty of students like you that will help you get through. Overall, I’m very happy I went here!... Read 277 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 825

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Monongalia County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  225 reviews

Senior: University High School is an excellent institution, providing massive STEM opportunities as well as education in the arts, music, theater, cultures, and multiple different languages. The school is packed with varying levels of courses, from on level to recovery to AP and dual credit college courses. That alongside the UHS/WVU Access pairing makes class availability excellent. The schools administration tends to make choices that benefit the school, and the teachers are excellent, some of which being nationally ranked. UHS doubled down on STEM with extra math and physics courses and a fully fleshed out Project Lead the Way path. Having taken those, I can confirm that the teachers are knowledgeable, enjoy the subject, and care for their students education.... Read 225 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,340

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Kanawha County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  237 reviews

Senior: I love the amount of college readiness George Washington High School creates. From the very beginning, students are being prepared for college. We are encouraged and inspired to do well by the incredible teachers. George Washington also offers endless educational opportunities for students including countless class options and clubs. There is always a staff member students can turn too for help, whether that be academic or even personal. George Washington High School is an excellent school to attend.... Read 237 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,134

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Putnam County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  225 reviews

Senior: I have been enrolled at Winfield High School for almost four full years now, and I can't say enough good things about it! I absolutely love the people, and the school atmosphere is unbeatable. The teachers and faculty are always so helpful, and they never hesitate to offer their assistance. I would recommend Winfield High School to any student looking to make new friends and receive a great education! It truly is my second home!... Read 225 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 817

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Ohio County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  230 reviews

Senior: I have absolutely enjoyed my experience at WPHS. I have been a 4 year member of the football team and 3 year member of the lacrosse team. I’m also a National Honor Society member and am involved in community service activities. I feel that our teachers and staff really care about the safety and education of ALL students. I feel that we have resources available for any aspect of need, whether it be mental health, sports , tutoring, or college prep. We have a diverse group of students, diversity and inclusion is big in our high school!! In a very supportive way. I had to make a choice my 8th grade year, a choice between attending Wheeling Central Catholic or Wheeling Park High School . I’m so happy I chose WPHS!!! I have had the best experience!! It made me a better student, athlete, and all around person!!! I recommend this facility with NO reservations!! 5 Star!!!... Read 230 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,518

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Putnam County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  206 reviews

Junior: Hurricane High School gave me and my siblings the best years of our lives. Between sports, clubs, and classes, we constantly stayed busy. The great thing about HHS is that they accept everyone, no matter your race, religion, or even your size! There is no other school I would’ve wanted to attend for my high school years. All the teachers and faculty were always so loving, and if I could stay in high school forever, I would. I’m so thankful for my time at HHS and it’s sad to say it’s almost over. The only thing I would change about HHS is that sometimes you can notice they expect more out of students who perform on a higher level, I’m in no way saying I don’t like a challenge, but I think it would be better for all the students if they held us all to the same standard.... Read 206 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,305

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Jefferson County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  224 reviews

Senior: I loved my time at WHS. My teachers were always so helpful and very involved. I always felt loved by the teachers and administration. At this highschool I had endless opportunities to join multiple clubs, organizations, teams, and more. I was able to try out for the dance ensemble and make it on the team all 4 years in highschool. The dance team helped me grow in so many way. It let me compose beautiful pieces of art as an outlet for emotions. Overall my time at Washington so much fun and extremely beneficial to me.... Read 224 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,334

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Marion County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  143 reviews

Parent: Overall an excellent school for academics, sports, student activities, and teachers. I could not ask for a better school to have attended and send my children to. The campus is absolutely stunning which adds to what is great about being an alumni. As a parent, I have to mark the school poor for administration. I have been disappointed in the administration as of late. Our administration should be an example to our students but have shown racism and favoritism towards the students. From remarks to those of color to allowing certain students to break the dress code but threatening others, parents have become highly disappointed. And the faculty feel they cannot do anything against the administration either. The students and the school are top notch compared to their leadership within.... Read 143 reviews

• grade B

• Students 797

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Jefferson County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  247 reviews

Senior: I have had a wonderful experience at this school for the past 3 years! This year was virtual unfortunately, but it is out of our control! Our cougar hour helped me meet numerous long life friends and commit to my studies. I appreciate the teacher that motivated me to keep working hard and to take the steps I need to take to create a successful future! Being a part of the cheer team has enhanced my social skills and I am so thankful for the program existing. The halls are always full of joy or full of hostility. Even though their might be craziness, it is still a school full of nurtured students that are cared for by our administration.... Read 247 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,385

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Mineral County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  122 reviews

Senior: I’ve spent the last three years at Frankfort High School and I’ve fell in love with the family oriented environment and the determination by students and faculty to achieve academically and athletically. Although this school has provided an outstanding learning environment, it cannot be said that I as well as my classmates haven’t faced challenges over our time in the school. Facing the Covid Pandemic and online school have been tough, but with faculty and peer support, I have seen myself as well as my classmates blossom into people that are ready to take on the world. I feel as though I have been pushed to take on new challenges and have grown immensely in academics, athletics, and in who I am as a person. My high school experience has helped shape me into who I am today, and in the future I look to find a college that I can peruse my passion of being an exercise scientist in an environment that focuses on student growth and reflects the same values as Frankfort High School.... Read 122 reviews

• grade B

• Students 498

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Berkeley County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  297 reviews

Junior: There's so many amazing teachers here! High energy, very motivational, keeps students captivated in what they are teaching. Highly recommended.... Read 297 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,686

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Berkeley County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  131 reviews

Sophomore: Spring Mills High School is a wonderful place to learn. There are many after school clubs and activities. The teachers are very knowledgeable and willing to work with each and every student. However, I would change their bathroom policy. Only 50 students are allowed at a time, and there are over 1,000 students in total. I understand they don’t want people to skip, but I think there is a better way to solve that problem.... Read 131 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,395

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Kanawha County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.12 out of 5  178 reviews

Senior: I really liked this school! The teachers were very amazing and helped me in preparing for college. I always feel safe here and I’m happy I was able to experience Nitro and the people there. One thing I wish would change was the amount of clubs there are because there isn’t very many.... Read 178 reviews

• grade B

• Students 772

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Wood County Schools, WV•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: Williamstown high school is a great place to go to school! The staff makes every student a priority and helps students in any way they can so they may succeed. Sports at Williamstown are thriving! The boys teams are ranked #1 in the state, and the girls teams are ranked #2 in the state, making Williamstown a great place for athletes to perform their best and grow in their abilities. The arts are also thriving at Williamstown! Williamstown has an orchestra program with members who make it into the WV All State Orchestra every year, an amazing band and choir program, and an excellent art and theatre department! The only thing I would say is negative about Williamstown, is the lack of higher education classes offered. Students often run out of classes to take and are forced to enroll in online college classes. This can be difficult for those who struggle to learn via computer, but others take on the challenge and succeed!... Read 76 reviews

• grade B

• Students 667

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Cabell County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  206 reviews

Senior: I've loved Cabell Midland. The friendliest people in the world where even the most spiteful appearing people will suprise you with friendliness. The school atmosphere is amazing. Especially at sporting events where students tend to express themselves and unite under our school. I've developed several life-long friendships at this school, with students and teachers. The teaching staff is amazing and I credit them to all my future success.... Read 206 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,821

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Raleigh County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  170 reviews

Junior: Since I started high school in 2020, there isn’t much to say, especially with an abrupt ending in eighth grade. The math teachers are having a difficult time getting along. As someone who likes math, I hate seeing this happen. There are bare opportunities for me or anyone else to access tickets to sports games or attending them in the first place. There should be an easier way to find out about events like this. The standing stalls in the boys bathrooms are close together without any dividers. The school should consider adding dividers for better privacy. Our police officer is nice and is able to resolve conflict easily between students. What’s unique about the school is that they have separate groups for each graduation year from freshman to senior. This makes it easier for counselors to give news about scholarships, college readiness programs, and volunteering opportunities for students.... Read 170 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,312

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Berkeley County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  193 reviews

Senior: I loved my years at Hedgesville! I had so many class and extra curricular options as well as other great opportunities available to me that would prepare me for my future. I had some pretty amazing teachers, several that were willing to open up to their students, create close-knit relationships, challenge them for the students' bettering, and were always there for support. There's hardly anything I would complain about other than the availability of guidance counselors at my school. We have so many students and a small number of counselors. It's almost always impossible to speak to them that same day when there are so many others before you who are also waiting. I didn't realize how bad this was until my senior year when I am constantly needing guidance with college decisions, but struggle with reaching my guidance counselor.... Read 193 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,268

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Kanawha County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  176 reviews

Senior: What I liked about attending Saint Albans High School was the schedule. We started school later than any other school and got out at least an hour before all the other schools also. I also loved some of the teachers! Most of the staff were always super great and nice. One thing I would have liked to change while attending there would have been the discipline. I felt as if students were in trouble every single day. Constantly throughout the school day you would always hear someone being called down to the office. Some kids were suspended almost weekly. But that doesn’t mean the staff is bad at their job. It’s the kids who attended and seeked drama and attention consistently.... Read 176 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,011

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Wood County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  338 reviews

Alum: I liked the people and the football games were always fun. They also had several different clubs and things to get involved in. You can also paint your parking spot senior year which is one of the best things in my opinion. I would like to see the priority of the staff and administration change. They were way too invested in the stupid problems of the school and would resort to chasing students down the hallway or preventing them from going to classes if they "suspected" them of vaping. They would search students just because they were in the bathroom and would randomly come in yelling at students. They also refuse to update anything about the school because it is "tradition." They redid the football field several times but would never repair the bleachers that have been broken for years. It also took them over a year to fix the staircase that collapsed. Overall I had a good experience throughout my four years at Parkersburg High School, but it could definitely improve and be better.... Read 338 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,728

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Cabell County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  200 reviews

Alum: Great teachers and extra curriculars. The staff was very supportive. the diversity is unparalleled in the area, as this is a semi-rural area there is not many options for people to come together. This school provided such spaces. The school administration was also flexible, letting motivated student lead the way on exciting projects and community outreach. The JROTC staff were examples of this, having students plan, operate, and clean the events they had planned, all while getting the support of the staff every step of he way. The school is also close with the supporting schools in the are such as the vocational center and the competing Cabell Midland High school. The faculty in the school have nothing but the best interest of he student in mind, and work tirelessly to better themselves for the sake of he student. the combination of motivated students, teachers, and administration lead this school the be one of the better schools in the area. this school was transformative in my journ... Read 200 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,731

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Berkeley County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: Attending Martinsburg High School was an enjoyable experience. The teachers are very nice and will help with anything, even if you’re not in their class. They do a lot to make sure your high school experience is the best; They have clubs and activities for everyone. I made a lot of new friends and good teachers that have helped me along my path. That is what Martinsburg High School is about, they are doing everything to make sure you find your path and help guide you to what you want to do. Being at this school has really shown me what I want to do with my life. The guidance counselors help a lot with preparing the students for college. They provide a lot of resources and tips for applying to colleges that’s I wasn’t sure about before. I will definitely miss this high school. Though, it has shown me that I am prepared to move on in the next stage of my life; and I am thankful for that. One last thing I want to say is, GO BULLDOGS!... Read 258 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,450

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Wood County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  322 reviews

Senior: My experience at Parkersburg South was one I will not forget. Recently graduated, I have spent the past few days reflecting on my time as a “Patriot” and all the great memories I had accrued over my 4 years there. Parkersburg South has a pretty supportive administration, ready to help as long as you seek it. The educators overall are fantastic, particularly those that teach higher level classes like Honor and AP courses. The school is very well kept and “Patriot Pride” comes in bounds when you arrive. PSHS I feel adequately prepared me for my future and I hope it does for you as well! GO Patriots !... Read 322 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,502

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Tyler County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: This school is wonderful and is an excellent example of what a school should be. The students here and pushed to learn and are responsive to it. They want to learn. They want to improve their education and abilities. We forge ahead and even brought in an AP Civics program because we thrived to have more challenging classes. The teachers and staff here care for their students, as well as each other. Teachers will set aside their planning to turn to help students with emotional and academic situations; it’s not just the guidance counselors helping people. The school is updated regularly and even got new technology and other recreational items to encourage creativity within its student population.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 339

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Kanawha County Schools, WV•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  174 reviews

Senior: I recently transferred to Capital High School in January of 2022. My experience may be short compared to others, however, it is worth sharing. Capital has made my thoughts of what the high school experience is, change dramatically. I went from settling for a school with a challenging administration to one that reaches out and made the transfer easy. I feel a sense of security and hospitality at Capital High. I have made more friends than I ever thought. Capital is not just more for my education but it also did more for my mental health.... Read 174 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 1,215

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1