A Newcomer’s Guide to Schools in the Advantage Valley

Here's what you need to know about the public school districts in Charleston, Huntington and the surrounding communities in the Advantage Valley.

By Kevin Litwin on October 23, 2023

Kim Hunter

Industries such as advanced manufacturing and energy are growing their presence in Advantage Valley, and the region is also looking to attract even more companies that represent additional sectors such as automotive, chemicals and polymers, health care, and technology.

A big reason why companies find Advantage Valley so attractive is the higher education opportunities available here. Students can receive top academic training from eight community colleges, technical colleges and universities that are based in this region, but quality education options don’t start there. Here are some highlights about the public school districts in Charleston, Huntington and the Advantage Valley.

Boone County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: Approximately 3,340 students
Superintendent: Matthew R. Riggs
Schools: 13, including Boone Career & Technical Center
Did you know? The school district’s Boone Career & Technical Center is certified as a West Virginia School of Excellence and nationally accredited by the Atlanta-based Council on Occupational Education.

Cabell County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: About 12,000 students attending 26 schools
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Employees: More than 2,000 staff members
Superintendent: Dr. Ryan S. Saxe
Did you know? Besides great elementary, middle and high schools, the district also has a Crossroads Academy, Explorer Academy and a Cabell County Career Technology Center.

Clay County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: 1,614 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Superintendent: Phil Dobbins
Schools: Four elementary schools along with Clay County Middle School and Clay County High School
Did you know? The Advanced Placement Government & Politics class at Clay County High School won the 2022-2023 West Virginia state championship in the “We the People” competition. The AP Government & Politics class has won the state title for nine consecutive years.

Jackson County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: Approximately 4,260 students attending 13 schools
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Superintendent: William Hosaflook
Did you know? 100% of Jackson County Schools teachers are board certified, and 97% have three or more years of teaching experience.

Kanawha County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: 24,721 students
Superintendent: Tom Williams
Did you know? Kanawha County Schools is the largest school system in West Virginia, with 64 schools along with two career and technical education centers, one adult center, and two community education centers. Niche.com ranked the district third most diverse in the state.

Lincoln County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: 3,114 students attending eight schools
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Superintendent: Frank Barnett
Did you know? The percentage of board-certified teachers is 99% at Lincoln Public Schools, with 96% of them with three or more years of teaching experience.

Mason County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: 3,853 students during the 2022-2023 school year
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Superintendent: Tim Hardesty
Schools: 12, including Mason County Career Center
Did you know? There are 11 full-time counselors who serve the student population.

Putnam County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: About 9,700 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Superintendent: John G. Hudson
Schools: 23, including Putnam Career & Technical Center
Did you know? Niche.com recognizes Putnam County Schools as the #1 District for Athletes and the #2 Best School District in West Virginia.

Wayne County Schools

Students: Pre-K through grade 12
Enrollment: About 6,700 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Superintendent: Todd Alexander
Schools: 22 schools throughout the county, including 13 preschools
Did you know? The district’s Buffalo Elementary School received a perfect five-star rating for the 2022-2023 academic year from GreatSchools.org.