Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 25302

There are four elementary schools serving grades PK-5 in zip code 25302 in Charleston, WV, all part of the Kanawha County Schools district, which ranks in the middle of West Virginia districts. These schools collectively enroll about 1,532 students, but they vary widely in size and, more importantly, in academic performance, creating a stark divide within a single zip code.

For parents, the standout choice is Shoals Elementary School, the smallest school here with 191 students. Despite its size, it ranks highest in the area (37th percentile) and is the only school to have previously earned 3-star ratings. It leads the pack in English Language Arts (49.3% proficiency) and beats district and state averages in Math (42.7%). Its 3rd-grade performance is exceptional, with 57.1% of students proficient in both subjects. Elk Elementary Center is the next best option, showing particular strength in Math (46.2% proficiency) and offering more consistent performance across grade levels. In contrast, Edgewood Elementary and Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary rank in the bottom 8% and 1% of the state, respectively, with proficiency rates far below their local peers.

A few key takeaways stand out. First, higher spending does not guarantee better results—Mary C. Snow West Side spends the most per student ($15,331) yet performs the worst, while Shoals spends less and achieves far more. Second, Science proficiency is a universal challenge, as no school in the area meets the state average of 34.6%. Finally, while the top two schools exceed district Math averages, the bottom two lag significantly, suggesting that individual school factors—not just the district—drive outcomes. If you are prioritizing academics, Shoals and Elk are clearly the stronger options in this zip code.