Summary:
Mercer County Schools serves approximately 4,485 students across 11 schools in Princeton, West Virginia, a small city in the southern part of the state, with a mix of elementary, middle, and high schools plus one virtual academy.
For parents, the standout choice in this district is Glenwood School (K-8), which ranks in the 82nd percentile statewide and outperforms every other school in the area in math, English, and science. Its 8th grade math proficiency of 64.6% is more than double that of Pikeview Middle School and four times that of Princeton Middle School, making it a compelling option for families seeking continuity through the middle grades. Melrose Elementary School is another strong choice, with math proficiency of 58.6%—nearly 20 points above the state average—and a 72nd percentile ranking. At the high school level, Princeton Senior High School leads the way with a 4-star rating, 35.7% math proficiency (vs. 20.6% statewide), and a 91.1% graduation rate, while Pikeview High School posts a slightly higher graduation rate (93.2%) but lags in academics.
On the other end, Oakvale School is a serious concern—it ranks in the 6th percentile, with science proficiency at just 8% and 3rd grade ELA at 15.4%, despite spending the most per student ($13,545). Princeton Middle School also struggles, ranking in the 16th percentile with no improvement over three years. Notably, both middle schools underperform the district’s elementary schools, and science is a district-wide weakness. Compass Virtual Academy serves 42 students but offers no test scores or accountability data, making it difficult to evaluate. Overall, while the district earns just 2 stars, the presence of multiple 4-star schools shows that strong outcomes are achievable here—but families should research individual schools carefully.
Thank you for your feedback!