Washington’s public schools outscore 84% of West Virginia districts
In Washington, 41% of tested students are proficient in math, above the West Virginia average (32%). The grade covers the public school district serving Washington, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within West Virginia, not nationally.
From West Virginia state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Washington’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 163 West Virginia towns with household incomes within a quarter of Washington’s, its schools beat 79%, lower than their 84% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 50% and math 41% in spring 2022, against 41% and 32% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 93%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $15,212 per student, against $15,637 across West Virginia (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
16 elementary schools, then six middle and three high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Washington’s grade
A−: better than 84% of West Virginia school districts. Test scores are above the West Virginia average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Washington, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Washington · depends on your address
Parkersburg High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,491 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Parkersburg South High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,373 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Williamstown High School
Grades 6–12 · 676 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Williamstown
10th grade in Washington · depends on your address
Parkersburg High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,491 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Parkersburg South High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,373 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Williamstown High School
Grades 6–12 · 676 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Williamstown
11th grade in Washington · depends on your address
Parkersburg High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,491 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Parkersburg South High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,373 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Williamstown High School
Grades 6–12 · 676 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Williamstown
12th grade in Washington · depends on your address
Parkersburg High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,491 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Parkersburg South High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,373 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Parkersburg
Williamstown High School
Grades 6–12 · 676 students · 15:1 students per teacher · in Williamstown
Washington’s public schools are run by Wood County School District, which also serves North Hills, Parkersburg, Vienna and Williamstown. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Washington vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the West Virginia towns that share Washington’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | A− | Wood County |
Belpre, OH borders Washington but is graded on its own state’s tests, so it’s left out.
Every school in Washington
24 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with West Virginia’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Washington’s schools
Are Washington’s schools good?
By West Virginia’s own tests, yes: the public schools Washington children attend outscore 84% of West Virginia’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 79%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Washington in?
Wood County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 11,098 students in 25 schools (2024–25).
Where do Washington kids go to high school?
One of 3 high schools, depending on your address: Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg South High School and Williamstown High School.
What is Washington’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Wood County School District graduated in four years, against 93% across West Virginia.
How much does Washington spend per student?
$15,212 in Wood County School District (FY2024), against $15,637 across West Virginia. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Washington families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Washington → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within West Virginia. Stars are from neighbors.