High Schools in Kanawha County Schools

The eight public high schools in Kanawha County Schools, serving grades 9-12 across the Charleston, West Virginia area, present a striking contrast in academic outcomes, ranging from a top-ranked state performer to schools struggling significantly below state averages.

For parents, the most important takeaway is that your child's educational experience will vary dramatically depending on which school they attend. George Washington High School is the clear standout, earning a 5-star rating and ranking 1st in the state. Its proficiency rates are roughly double the state average in math (42% vs. 21%) and science (47% vs. 24%). At the other end of the spectrum, Riverside High School ranks 97th out of 105 schools, with only 8% of 11th graders proficient in math. Capital High School is also a concern, with a graduation rate of just 77.1%—the only school in the district below 80%—and below-average test scores across all subjects. Meanwhile, Sissonville High School and Nitro High School lead the district in graduation rates (96.7% and 95.6%, respectively), though their test scores are only average. Saint Albans High School, Herbert Hoover High School, and South Charleston High School fall in the middle, performing near or slightly above state averages.

Interestingly, spending and class size do not predict success. Sissonville spends the most per student ($11,924) but achieves mid-pack results, while George Washington spends the least ($10,179) yet outperforms everyone. Similarly, George Washington has the highest student-teacher ratio (22.4) but the best scores. This suggests that factors like school culture and student demographics play a larger role than resources alone. In short, this district is bifurcated: one exceptional school, several solid options, and two schools—Riverside and Capital—that need significant support to provide equitable outcomes for all students.