Schools in Zip Code 25311

Zip code 25311 in Charleston, West Virginia is served by 2 schools within the Kanawha County Schools district, offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

This zip code presents a clear contrast between its two schools. Ruffner Elementary School is a standout performer, exceeding state averages in both math (48.7% proficient vs. 39.4% statewide) and ELA (54.7% vs. 47.6%). The school shows remarkable growth between 3rd and 4th grade, with ELA proficiency jumping 25 points, suggesting effective early intervention. It also benefits from a more favorable student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1 and higher per-student spending ($12,538). In contrast, Capital High School struggles significantly, with 11th-grade math proficiency at just 12.9% (7.7 points below the state average) and science at 17.1% (6.5 points below). The high school's graduation rate of 77.1% is a critical concern, sitting 15.7 points below the state average of 92.8%. Capital High also saw its science scores drop 7.3 points in a single year, and its overall ranking has declined from the 55th to the 35th percentile over three years.

The performance gap between these two schools is stark, and the absence of a middle school in the zip code may contribute to learning loss during those transitional years. While Ruffner's ranking has been volatile—swinging from the 49th to 76th to 63rd percentile—its consistent above-average test scores in upper grades suggest genuine strength. Capital High's declining metrics across all subjects, combined with its low graduation rate, point to a need for urgent intervention. Notably, neither school reports free/reduced lunch data, limiting socioeconomic analysis. For parents, this zip code offers a strong elementary option but a high school that requires careful consideration, especially regarding math, science, and graduation outcomes.