Summary:
Zip code 26101 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, is home to two public high schools—Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High School—which together serve 2,864 students in grades 9-12 under the highly rated Wood County Schools district, ranked 6th out of 54 districts in the state.
These two schools are moving in opposite directions. Parkersburg South High School is the clear standout, having jumped 21 spots in state rankings over two years to reach 28th place (73rd percentile, 4 stars). It now exceeds district and state averages in English Language Arts (56.5% proficient vs. 51.2% state) and science (25.3% vs. 23.6% state), and boasts a strong 92.2% graduation rate—above both the district (90.5%) and state (92.8%). In contrast, Parkersburg High School has been volatile, earning a 4-star rating and 21st place in 2023-24 but dropping to 60th (2 stars) in 2024-25. Its graduation rate of 88.9% trails the state by nearly 4 points, and its recent math proficiency (15.4%) and ELA scores (49.8%) both fall below district and state averages. Parkersburg South also has a slightly better student-teacher ratio (16.3:1 vs. 17.1:1) and spends about $766 more per student.
Both schools share a common challenge: mathematics. Only 15-20% of 11th graders at either school test proficient in math, a subject area that lags far behind their relative strength in ELA. Parkersburg South's science performance is a hidden gem—exceeding state averages in a subject where many schools struggle. While Parkersburg South currently offers the stronger overall educational experience, Parkersburg High's larger enrollment and past success (including its 2023-24 ranking) suggest it remains viable. The district would benefit from studying Parkersburg South's strategies in ELA instruction and graduation support, and applying those lessons to help Parkersburg High regain consistency.
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