For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,047 students in Mcdowell County, WV.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, WV are Fall River Elementary School, Welch Elementary School and Bradshaw Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, WV public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 20% (versus the West Virginia public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 26% (versus the 40% statewide average). Elementary schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of West Virginia public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the West Virginia public elementary school average of 13% (majority Black).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Mcdowell County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Fall River Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
13 Falcon Drive
Big Sandy, WV 24816
(304) 656-7665
Big Sandy, WV 24816
(304) 656-7665
Gr: PK-5 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Welch Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1235 Stewart St
Welch, WV 24801
(304) 436-4645
Welch, WV 24801
(304) 436-4645
Gr: PK-5 | 189 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Bradshaw Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
660 Mountaineer Highway
Bradshaw, WV 24817
(304) 967-7700
Bradshaw, WV 24817
(304) 967-7700
Gr: PK-5 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Iaeger Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
182 Water Street
Iaeger, WV 24844
(304) 938-2227
Iaeger, WV 24844
(304) 938-2227
Gr: PK-5 | 201 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Kimball Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
28631 Coal Heritage Road
Kimball, WV 24853
(304) 585-7570
Kimball, WV 24853
(304) 585-7570
Gr: PK-5 | 164 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #66.
Southside K-8
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
13509 Rocket Boy Drive
War, WV 24892
(304) 875-2283
War, WV 24892
(304) 875-2283
Gr: PK-8 | 266 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #77.
Sandy River Middle School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
446 Mountaineer Highway
Bradshaw, WV 24817
(304) 967-5364
Bradshaw, WV 24817
(304) 967-5364
Gr: 6-8 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #88.
Mount View High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
950 Mount View Rd
Welch, WV 24801
(304) 436-2939
Welch, WV 24801
(304) 436-2939
Gr: 6-12 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, WV?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Mcdowell County, WV include Fall River Elementary School, Welch Elementary School and Bradshaw Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Mcdowell County?
8 public elementary schools are located in Mcdowell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County?
Mcdowell County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the West Virginia public elementary schools average of 13% (majority Black).
Which public elementary schools in Mcdowell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Mcdowell County include: Iaeger Elementary School vs. Kimball Elementary School, Kimball Elementary School vs. Iaeger Elementary School, Southside K-8 vs. Kimball Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
