For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 1,159 students in Ritchie County, WV (there are , 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 Middle 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 42% (versus the West Virginia public school average of 34%), 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Smithville Elementary School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
157 Main Street
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Smithville, WV 26178
(304) 477-3273
Gr: PK-4 | 94 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 3%
Rank: #22.
Harrisville Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
95 Elementary Drive
Harrisville, WV 26362
(304) 643-2220
Harrisville, WV 26362
(304) 643-2220
Gr: PK-4 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Rank: #33.
Ritchie County Middle School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
201 Ritchie County School Rd
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3512
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3512
Gr: 5-8 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
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
Gr: PK-4 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #55.
Ritchie County High School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
201 Ritchie County School Rd
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3526
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3526
Gr: 9-12 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 2%
Ritchie County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 School Street
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3305
Ellenboro, WV 26346
(304) 869-3305
Gr: PK-5 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 1%
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 Middle 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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