Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

Zela Elementary School

Q: Is Zela Elementary School a good school?

Zela Elementary School ranks 223 rd of 355 West Virginia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

223^rd

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 355 West Virginia Elementary Schools

Better than 37% of West Virginia elementary schools

Summary

Zela Elementary School is a small, rural school in Summersville, WV, serving just 67 students in grades PK-5 as part of Nicholas County Schools. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 9.5:1 and the highest per-student spending in the area at $15,250, the school has significant resources to work with, yet its academic results tell a more complicated story.

The school's biggest strength is its 4th grade English Language Arts program, where 70% of students scored proficient in the most recent school year—far exceeding the district average of 47.7% and the state average of 49.6%. This standout performance shows that Zela students can achieve at high levels when effective instruction is in place. However, this success hasn't spread to other subjects. Third grade math proficiency sits at just 35.7%, nearly 19 points below both district and state averages, and the lowest among all Nicholas County elementary schools. Science scores are also a concern, with only 16.7% of 5th graders proficient compared to the district's 36.7%. Overall, Zela's ranking has been volatile over the past decade, swinging from the 56th percentile in 2018 to near the bottom of the state in 2021, before recovering to the 37th percentile most recently.

Compared to nearby schools, Zela's performance is mixed. While it trails top performers like Mt. Nebo Elementary School (96th percentile) and Mt. Lookout Elementary School (90th percentile), it outperforms Gauley River Elementary School (22nd percentile). The school's small size means a single class can dramatically shift rankings, making year-to-year comparisons tricky. For parents, the key takeaway is that Zela has demonstrated it can excel—particularly in reading—but math and science need attention, and the school's ability to serve its most vulnerable students has declined significantly in recent years. The recent improvement in overall ranking offers cautious hope, but sustained progress will require replicating the 4th grade reading success across all subjects and grade levels.

Students ?

9.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

$19,783

Per pupil spending ?

79.1%

Directly certified for free meals (2024-25) ?

165 Country Rd
Summersville, WV 26651-4018

(304) 872-1481

District: Nicholas County Schools

Students who attend Zela Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Summersville Middle School
High:	Nicholas County High School

Racial breakdown:

White:

100.0%

See top rated West Virginia elementary schools

Compare Zela Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Rebounding — 1st percentile in 2021 → 37th in 2026

Strengths

✓Ranking is rebounding — up to 37th (2026) from a 1st-percentile low (2021)

✓Small classes — about 10 students per teacher

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

!Near the bottom of Nicholas County Schools's ranking

Students meeting standards (2025-2026) ?

This school41%

District avg41%

West Virginia avg44%

223^rd of 355

West Virginia public elementary schools ?

Bottom 37%▼ down 16 pts since 2016

From top 47% (2016) to bottom 37% (2026)

See the entire ranking list of West Virginia Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

6^th of 8Elementary Schools in the Nicholas County Schools

24^th of 55Nicholas County Schools among West Virginia districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2026	40.0	223 of 355	37.2%	★★☆☆☆
2025	23.3	308 of 355	13.2%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	15.8	340 of 368	7.6%	☆☆☆☆☆
2023	11.2	358 of 368	2.7%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	29.9	290 of 375	22.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	9.5	378 of 380	0.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	41.8	219 of 383	42.8%	★★☆☆☆
2018	52.6	174 of 392	55.6%	★★★☆☆
2017	53.2	184 of 399	53.9%	★★★☆☆
2016	53.1	187 of 402	53.5%	★★★☆☆
2015	75.2	58 of 408	85.8%	★★★★☆
2014	59.3	133 of 422	68.5%	★★★☆☆
2013	47.0	223 of 428	47.9%	★★☆☆☆
2012	52.7	179 of 426	58.0%	★★★☆☆
2011	37.4	298 of 426	30.0%	★★☆☆☆
2010	45.2	238 of 427	44.3%	★★☆☆☆
2009	39.4	292 of 420	30.5%	★★☆☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2018	45.1	214 of 366	41.5%	★★☆☆☆
2017	50.4	188 of 381	50.7%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2025	25.5	284 of 328	13.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2023	9.5	332 of 333	0.3%	☆☆☆☆☆
2018	63.4	100 of 368	72.8%	★★★★☆
2017	57.5	141 of 382	63.1%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2018	44.2	200 of 364	45.1%	★★☆☆☆
2017	54.5	168 of 382	56.0%	★★★☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2017	31.2	304 of 377	19.4%	★☆☆☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	West Virginia percentile	Rating
2026	39.0	223 of 353	36.8%	★★☆☆☆
2025	22.0	315 of 353	10.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2024	15.2	341 of 367	7.1%	☆☆☆☆☆
2023	10.5	359 of 366	1.9%	☆☆☆☆☆
2022	28.9	293 of 373	21.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2021	9.2	374 of 376	0.5%	☆☆☆☆☆
2019	40.6	220 of 373	41.0%	★★☆☆☆
2018	51.6	168 of 374	55.1%	★★★☆☆
2017	51.9	180 of 382	52.9%	★★★☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Male (2018)45th percentile-11 vs school

Female (2018)42nd percentile-14 vs school

White (2026)37th percentile~ school

Special Education (2017)19th percentile-35 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)13th percentile~ school

By subject vs West Virginia (2025-2026) ?

English Language Arts46%~ state avg

Mathematics36%-4 vs state

5.0

1 rating

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

Rate Zela Elementary School

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

Reviews

No written reviews yet. If you know this school, be the first to share what stands out.

Schools Near Zela Elementary School

Load more schools when map is moved

Ranking:

E Elementary M Middle H High A Alternative P Private

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2026)				Ranking (2025)				WV Assessment Mathematics (2026)				WV Assessment English Language Arts (2026)				WV Assessment Science (2026)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2025)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Directly certified (2024-25)	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2026)	Statewide Rank (2026)	State Percentile (2026)	SchoolDigger Rating (2026)	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	Rank Change from Previous Year	WV Assessment Mathematics 3rd Grade	WV Assessment Mathematics 4th Grade	WV Assessment Mathematics 5th Grade	WV Assessment Mathematics All Grades	WV Assessment English Language Arts 3rd Grade	WV Assessment English Language Arts 4th Grade	WV Assessment English Language Arts 5th Grade	WV Assessment English Language Arts All Grades	WV Assessment Science 5th Grade	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Zela Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	165 Country Rd	Summersville	26651	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 872-1481	67	7	9.5	79.1%	67 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	40	223^rd of 355 public elementary schools	37.2%		23.3	308^th of 355 public elementary schools	13.2%	85	35.7	40.0		35.7	35.7	70.0		46.4		$19,783	$3,942	$15,841
Summersville Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	108 McKees Creek Rd	Summersville	26651	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 872-1421	331	24	13.7	52.0%	314 (94.9%)	2 (0.6%)	5 (1.5%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (2.7%)	44.3	200^th of 355 public elementary schools	43.7%		42.9	206^th of 355 public elementary schools	42.0%	6	57.6	38.6	47.9	47.2	36.4	40.9	56.3	45.6	35.4	$11,214	$1,998	$9,216
Mt. Nebo Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	110 Schoolhouse Ln	Mount Nebo	26679	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	No	(304) 872-2440	105	8	13.1	50.5%	102 (97.1%)	1 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	92.4	13^th of 355 public elementary schools	96.3%		97.9	3^rd of 355 public elementary schools	99.2%	10	84.2	75.0	76.5	78.9	68.4	68.8	76.5	71.2	47.1	$12,419	$2,274	$10,145
Glade Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	7950 Webster Rd	Summersville	26651	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	No	(304) 872-2882	124	8	15.5	41.1%	119 (96.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	2 (1.6%)	2 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	47.2	189^th of 355 public elementary schools	46.8%		67.8	91^st of 355 public elementary schools	74.4%	98	77.8	63.2	41.2	61.1	61.1	36.8	23.5	40.7	17.7	$10,104	$1,669	$8,434
Mt. Lookout Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1945 E Mount Lookout Rd	Mount Lookout	26678	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 872-2731	121	9	13.4	67.8%	119 (98.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.8%)	85.6	36^th of 355 public elementary schools	89.9%		84.7	33^rd of 355 public elementary schools	90.7%	3	66.7	75.0	58.8	66.7	66.7	81.3	58.8	68.5	52.9	$12,669	$3,340	$9,329
Ansted Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	27 School St	Ansted	25812	Fayette County	Fayette County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 658-5961	178	13	13.7	50.0%	173 (97.2%)	1 (0.6%)	1 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.7%)	53.3	164^th of 355 public elementary schools	53.8%		31.5	267^th of 355 public elementary schools	24.8%	103	55.6	55.4	39.4	47.8	38.9	55.4	54.6	50.7	39.4	$12,032	$1,664	$10,368
Panther Creek Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	10068 Canvas Nettie Road	Nettie	26681	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	No	(304) 846-6808	211	15	14.0	57.3%	207 (98.1%)	3 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	77.1	55^th of 355 public elementary schools	84.5%		77.6	55^th of 355 public elementary schools	84.5%		68.8	52.4	81.8	64.6	58.1	50.0	68.2	56.8	50.0	$12,282	$2,131	$10,151
Clay Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	219 Church Street	Clay	25043	Clay County	Clay County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 587-4276	431	35	12.3	80.7%	422 (97.9%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (1.6%)	32.8	266^th of 355 public elementary schools	25.1%		31.9	265^th of 355 public elementary schools	25.4%	1	47.4	38.6	29.1	37.4	29.0	44.3	50.9	42.9	36.4	$12,227	$2,322	$9,906
Divide Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	334 Propps Rdg Rd	Lookout	25868	Fayette County	Fayette County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 574-1443	189	14	13.4	46.0%	183 (96.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.2%)	19.1	323^rd of 355 public elementary schools	9.0%		22	313^th of 355 public elementary schools	11.8%	10	43.5	32.4	30.5	34.4	34.8	35.3	29.7	33.0	24.9	$11,506	$1,186	$10,321
Gauley River Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	100 School St	Craigsville	26205	Nicholas County	Nicholas County Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(304) 742-5271	295	20	14.7	73.2%	294 (99.7%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	29.5	278^th of 355 public elementary schools	21.7%		10	342^nd of 355 public elementary schools	3.7%	64	39.6	57.1	40.4	44.4	17.0	31.4	48.9	31.9	25.5	$10,538	$2,333	$8,205

Frequently Asked Questions about Zela Elementary School

What schools do graduates of Zela Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Zela Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Summersville Middle School
High : Nicholas County High School

How many students attend Zela Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 67 students attended Zela Elementary School.

Is Zela Elementary School a good school?

Zela Elementary School ranks 223^rd of 355 West Virginia elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What district is Zela Elementary School in?

Nicholas County Schools

What is the racial makeup of Zela Elementary School?

Students at Zela Elementary School are 100% White.

Rate Zela Elementary School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

WVWest Virginia Elementary School Rankings

WVWest Virginia District Rankings

Schools in Summersville, WV

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Zela Elementary School!

Latest West Virginia data All new data »

2019–20 through 2024–25 school spending dataAug 24, 2026

2025–26 WV Assessment scoresAug 12, 2026

2024–25 graduation ratesJan 9, 2026

2024–25 WV Assessment scoresAug 13, 2025

SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.