Summary:
Zip code 25174 is home to a single elementary school, Marsh Fork Elementary, a small, rural PK-5 school in Rock Creek, WV, serving 152 students as part of Raleigh County Schools.
For parents considering this area, Marsh Fork Elementary offers a notably intimate learning environment with a favorable 13.8:1 student-teacher ratio and a substantial per-student investment of $14,371. However, academic performance presents a mixed picture. The school's overall math proficiency (41.8%) slightly exceeds the state average (39.4%) and nearly matches the district, with 3rd-grade math a clear strength at 55% proficiency. In contrast, English Language Arts (ELA) is a significant concern, with only 37.3% of students proficient—a 15.6-point gap behind the district average. This ELA struggle is most acute in 4th grade, where just 24% of students are proficient, a 28.4-point deficit compared to the district. Science performance in 5th grade (27.3%) also lags behind both district and state averages.
The most actionable insight is a pronounced "4th-grade slump," with proficiency dropping by roughly 20 points in both math and ELA from 3rd to 4th grade, before partially recovering in 5th grade. This pattern suggests a potential curriculum transition issue that could benefit from targeted intervention. Additionally, the school's state ranking has declined from the 31st to the 25th percentile over three years, though this may reflect broader statewide improvements rather than a sharp decline at the school itself. While the school's small size and strong early math instruction are assets, parents should be aware of the literacy challenges and the 4th-grade dip when evaluating this community school.
Thank you for your feedback!