For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public middle schools serving 1,067 students in Mcdowell County, WV.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Mcdowell County, WV are Southside K-8, Sandy River Middle School and Mount View High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Mcdowell County, WV public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the West Virginia public middle school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 40% statewide average). Middle schools in Mcdowell County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of West Virginia public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the West Virginia public middle school average of 11% (majority Black).
Best Public Middle Schools in Mcdowell County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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 middle schools in Mcdowell County, WV?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Mcdowell County, WV include Southside K-8, Sandy River Middle School and Mount View High School.
How many public middle schools are located in Mcdowell County?
3 public middle schools are located in Mcdowell County.
What is the racial composition of students in Mcdowell County?
Mcdowell County public middle schools minority enrollment is 14% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the West Virginia public middle schools average of 11% (majority Black).
Which public middle schools in Mcdowell County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Mcdowell County include: Southside K-8 vs. Sandy River Middle School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.