For the 2025-26 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 (2025-26)
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).
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.