Summary:
Zip code 25201, a rural area in Tad, West Virginia, is home to just one elementary school: Mary Ingles Elementary School, which serves 143 students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade as part of the Kanawha County Schools district.
For parents considering this school, the most important takeaway is that Mary Ingles offers a very small, intimate learning environment with a favorable 15:1 student-teacher ratio and above-average per-student spending of $14,730. Academically, the school shows a "split personality." In mathematics, 4th graders shine with a 64.7% proficiency rate—well above both district and state averages—while 3rd and 5th graders lag significantly behind at 35.1% and 36.8%, respectively. In English Language Arts, 5th graders perform slightly above state averages (52.6%), but 3rd graders struggle badly at just 26.7% proficiency. The most alarming statistic is science: only 5.3% of 5th graders are proficient, compared to roughly 30% in the district and 35% statewide. This suggests a systemic weakness in science instruction rather than just a tough cohort.
The school's overall state ranking has declined steadily over three years, from the 53rd percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 26th percentile (1 star) in 2025-2026. Given the tiny enrollment—roughly 25-30 students per grade—individual classroom dynamics can dramatically skew results, so year-to-year comparisons should be viewed cautiously. Still, the consistent 3rd-grade struggles in both math and ELA point to a possible transition issue from primary to intermediate grades that may warrant targeted support. While the school is well-funded and offers personalized attention, parents should be aware of the declining trajectory and the urgent need for improvement in science and early-elementary instruction.
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