Education system and best schools in West Virginia: Strong emphasis on public education. State-funded pre-K programs available. West Virginia University: top higher education institution. Marshall University notable for health programs. Magnet and specialized schools offered. Small class sizes in rural schools. Advanced Placement courses in high schools. State assessments for academic progress. School choice through open enrollment. Vocational and technical education options available.
Strong emphasis on public education.
In West Virginia, the public education system faces significant challenges, including school closures and consolidations due to population decline and funding issues tied to student enrollment. Despite these challenges, education officials and lawmakers are urged to support public schools through revised funding formulas and policies, as over 90% of the state's school-aged children attend Public Schools.
State-funded pre-K programs available.
West Virginia's Universal Pre-K Program, initiated in 2002, provides state-funded pre-K education to all four-year-olds and three-year-olds with special needs across all 55 counties. The program is highly regarded nationally for its quality standards, accessibility, and collaboration with community programs like Head Start and licensed child care centers. For more information, you can visit the official West Virginia Universal Pre-K website.
West Virginia University: top higher education institution.
West Virginia University (WVU) is the top higher education institution in West Virginia, classified as a Doctoral Universities - Highest research activity institution by the Carnegie Classification. It offers over 350 degree programs across 13 colleges and schools, including the state's only law and dental schools, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The university has multiple campuses, including the main campus in Morgantown, WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley, and WVU Potomac State College in Keyser, providing a comprehensive and affordable education.
Marshall University notable for health programs.
Marshall University is notable for its comprehensive graduate public health programs, including the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The program focuses on areas such as global and community health, health informatics, and rural health practice, particularly addressing health disparities in the Appalachian region and West Virginia. For more information about their offerings, you can visit the Public Health page on their website.
Magnet and specialized schools offered.
In West Virginia, families can choose from various specialized schools, including magnet schools that focus on specific learning tracks such as engineering, performing arts, or STEAM. Examples include Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School in Berkeley County and magnet programs in Kanawha County Schools, such as the Performing Arts and Human Performance Management at Capital High School and the STEAM program at George Washington High School.
Small class sizes in rural schools.
In rural West Virginia, while the education system encounters challenges such as lower college-going rates, the smaller class sizes in rural schools can be an advantage. However, specific data on class sizes is not discussed in the study. Instead, it emphasizes the significant role schools play in rural areas as a vital link to the broader U.S. culture and the variation in graduation and college enrollment rates across different counties.
Advanced Placement courses in high schools.
The West Virginia Department of Education offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high schools, providing students with the opportunity to pursue college-level coursework and earn college credit or advanced placement. The program includes 38 AP courses in seven subject areas, ensuring a comprehensive academic experience. Teachers receive support through AP Summer Institutes, enhancing their ability to deliver quality instruction. Additionally, there are fee waivers available for financially needy students, allowing them to take AP exams at no cost. For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Education's Advanced Placement page.
State assessments for academic progress.
The West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Assessment manages the statewide comprehensive assessment program, which includes the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WVGSA) for grades 3-8, the SAT School Day for high school, and other assessments like the West Virginia Alternate Summative Assessment (WVASA) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). These assessments are designed to provide information on student, school, and district performance to inform educators and improve student learning. For more details on these programs, you can visit the West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Assessment website.
School choice through open enrollment.
West Virginia offers school choice through open enrollment, allowing students to transfer to traditional public schools outside their zoned schools via inter-district and intra-district open enrollment policies. The state also provides an education savings account (ESA) program for families to customize their children's education or send them to private schools. While West Virginia does not have magnet schools, it has introduced charter schools starting in the 2022-23 school year. For more information on these options, you can visit the EdChoice website.
Vocational and technical education options available.
West Virginia offers various vocational and technical education options through schools like Mountwest Community and Technical College, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and West Virginia Northern Community College. These institutions provide programs in fields such as healthcare, technical services, and manufacturing, with flexible online and on-campus options, as well as on-the-job training and affordable tuition rates. For more detailed information, you can visit the website of West Virginia Vocational and Technical Schools.