Photo: Aaron F. Stone · CC BY-SA 4.0Welch’s public schools score below 98% of West Virginia districts on tests and graduation
18% of students in Welch’s public schools are proficient in math, below the West Virginia average (32%). The grade covers the public school district serving Welch, 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.
Welch’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 27% of tested students were proficient in reading and 18% in math, against 41% and 32% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80–84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 93% across West Virginia (the state reports Welch’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $16,215 per student, against $15,637 across West Virginia (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 6 the district’s path is Mount View High School. Enrollment is down 15% 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 Welch’s grade
D−: better than 2% of West Virginia school districts, last of 61 West Virginia towns. Both inputs trail the West Virginia average; among the 68 West Virginia towns with similar household incomes, Welch’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Welch, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Welch
Welch Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 189 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Welch’s public schools are run by McDowell County School District, which also serves Anawalt, Bradshaw, Davy and Gary and others. 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 below the state in reading
Welch vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the West Virginia towns that share Welch’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Welch | D− | McDowell County |
Every school in Welch
2 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).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (McDowell Career & Technology Center).
Questions about Welch’s schools
Are Welch’s schools good?
On West Virginia’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Welch children attend score below 98% of West Virginia’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they place at the bottom. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Welch in?
McDowell County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,312 students in 9 schools (2024–25).
What is Welch’s graduation rate?
80–84% of the class of 2023 in McDowell County School District graduated in four years, against 93% across West Virginia.
How much does Welch spend per student?
$16,215 in McDowell County School District (FY2024), against $15,637 across West Virginia. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Welch families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Welch → 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.