Midway Elementary School

Midway Elementary School is a small, rural school in Alum Creek, WV, serving 237 students in grades PK-5 as part of Lincoln County Schools. Despite being in a district that ranks in the bottom third of West Virginia, Midway has become a standout success story, climbing from the bottom quartile of schools statewide to the top 40% in just three years—a remarkable 122-position jump that points to real, systemic improvement rather than a one-year fluke.

The school's greatest strength is its upper elementary grades. By 5th grade, 72% of students are proficient in English Language Arts—nearly double the district average and 21 points above the state average. Math and science scores are similarly strong, with 5th graders outperforming their district peers by 16 to 19 percentage points. This pattern of steady growth from 3rd to 5th grade shows that students build skills over time, especially in reading. Midway also stands out for its work with vulnerable students: it ranks in the 71st percentile for homeless students (a 4-star rating) and has closed a once-large achievement gap between boys and girls, with both now performing at nearly identical, above-average levels.

Compared to nearby schools, Midway holds its own and often does more with less. It dramatically outperforms Duval Pk-8, its same-district counterpart, with roughly double the proficiency rates in math and reading. It also ranks above several Kanawha County Schools like Richmond Elementary School and Bridgeview Elementary School, while spending less per student than nearly all of them. The school's main area for growth is 3rd grade, where scores lag the state average, and special education students could use more support. Still, Midway's trajectory—and its ability to achieve strong results on a lean budget—makes it a compelling choice for families in the area.