Summary:
Zip code 25311 in Charleston, WV, is served by a single public high school, Capital High School, which enrolls approximately 1,051 students in grades 9-12 as part of the Kanawha County Schools district.
For parents considering this area, the most important takeaway is that Capital High School is currently facing significant academic challenges. The school's graduation rate stands at 77.1%, which is well below the district average of 90.3% and the state average of 92.8%. Test scores also lag considerably, with only 12.9% of 11th graders proficient in math (compared to 20.6% statewide), 17.1% proficient in science (versus 23.6% statewide), and 47.1% proficient in English Language Arts (versus 51.2% statewide). The student-teacher ratio is 17.3:1, which is relatively high and may limit individualized attention. The school's state ranking has also slipped from 50th (3-star) in 2023-2024 to 68th (2-star) in 2025-2026, reflecting a downward trend in performance.
Perhaps most concerning is the year-over-year decline in scores. From 2024-2025 to 2025-2026, math proficiency dropped from 15.3% to 12.9%, and science proficiency fell sharply from 24.4% to 17.1%. While ELA remained relatively flat, the overall pattern suggests students are struggling to master core academic skills, particularly in STEM subjects. The district itself is rated as average (22nd out of 54 districts in West Virginia), but Capital High School is underperforming relative to both its district and state peers. Parents should be aware that the school may benefit from targeted interventions in math and science, as well as additional student support services to improve both proficiency and graduation outcomes. The most recent per-student spending data ($11,806) is from 2018-2019, so current funding levels are unclear.
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