West Virginia may not have the big-city amenities that other states offer, but there are many beautiful sights to see in this state. Residents and visitors in West Virginia can enjoy numerous outdoor activities from hiking to whitewater rafting. Additionally, West Virginia is home to 683 schools and 55 school districts. Some of the largest schools in West Virginia have nearly 2,000 students.
West Virginia is unique compared to some of the larger states, but it can be a wonderful place to visit or find a new home. Keep reading to find out more about some of the largest schools in West Virginia.
©Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com
American Public University System
330 N George St., Charles Town, WV 25414
American Public University System is a private college in West Virginia with 48,298 students. The mission of this four-year college is to provide students with a high-quality higher education with a specific focus on educating the military and public service communities.
This university offers accessible and affordable online programs that prepare students for future service and leadership. At American Public University System, students can choose from 263 degrees and certificates. This university has also ranked as the number 1 provider of education for U.S. Military and Veterans.
West Virginia University
1550 University Ave Morgantown, WV 26506
West Virginia University is a four-year public college serving 25,474 students. Part of the mission at this university is to provide students with a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare, and prosperity for all.
West Virginia University is a public land-grant university that offers over 100 different undergraduate programs and over 200 graduate programs. They also offer numerous online programs to help students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their future careers.
Notable West Virginia University Alumni
While West Virginia isn't exactly the destination state for most people, their university has produced some incredible people. Take a look at these famous alumni from West Virginia University.
Steve Harvey – American game show host, known for Family Feud
Katherine Johnson – Mathematician credited for making the first NASA space flights possible
Taylor Kinney – American actor known for The Vampire Diaries and Zero Dark Thirty
Joe Manchin – Senator of West Virginia from 2010 to now
Billy Mays – Television infomercial king
Marshall University
1 John Marshall Dr, Huntington, WV 25755
Marshall University is a four-year public college with a student population of 11,023. Founded in 1837, this university offers 57 undergraduate programs, 52 master’s programs, as well as 4 doctoral degree programs. Marshall University is one of the oldest colleges in West Virginia and was named after Chief Justice John Marshall.
The vision of Marshall University is to inspire creativity within students that ignites their minds and nurtures their spirits. Students at Marshall University are encouraged to join one of the many student organizations to enhance their learning experience and connect with other students.
Notable Marshall University Alumni
At just half the size of West Virginia University, one might not except for Marshall University to have the same star-studded alumni list. However, Marshall University also calls some big names their alumni.
Billy Crystal – Former SNL cast member
Jason Williams – Former point guard for the Miami Heat (NBA)
Mike D'Antoni – Former NBA head coach
Jim Justice – Current (2023) Governor of West Virginia
Jim Thornton – Voice actor, known as the main announcer for Wheel of Fortune
Morgantown High School
109 Wilson Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501
Morgantown High School in West Virginia is a public school serving 1,847 students. This highly-rated school ranked as the best college prep high school in West Virginia and the best public high school in the state overall.
For over a hundred years, Morgantown High School has been one of the top schools in the state. The curriculum at this public high school is part of a departmentalized system of instruction and students can choose from numerous Advanced Placement Courses. Students at Morgantown High School can also take courses at West Virginia University during the day or attend the Technical Education Center for vocational education opportunities.
Cabell Midland High School
2300 US-60, Ona, WV 25545
Cabell Midland High School is a public school in Ona, West Virginia. This school serves 1,821 students in grades 9-12 and has ranked in the top 20 high schools in West Virginia. The mission and vision of Cabell Midland High School are to integrate students’ passion with the practicality of education.
The academic program at Cabell Midland High School includes College and Career Academies and a Freshman Academy for first-year students. The athletics program is an important part of the Cabell Midland High School community and students can participate in various sports teams such as baseball, softball, tennis, and track.
Huntington High School
1 Highlander Way, Huntington, WV 25701
Huntington High School is a public school in Huntington, West Virginia with 1,731 students. Part of the mission of Huntington High School is to provide each student with a high-quality education that meets their specific needs. They accomplish this by equipping each staff member with professional development that prepares them to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
In addition to the academic program, students at Huntington High School are also encouraged to participate in student athletics or other activities. The school offers numerous sports teams such as football, cheerleading, volleyball, and swimming. They also have student activities such as JROTC and the Marching Highlanders.
©Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com
Parkersburg High School
2101 Dudley Ave, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Parkersburg High School is a public high school in Parkersburg with 1,728 students and is part of the Wood County School District. The mission of this school is to transform the hearts and minds of students by promoting value and self-worth. They also accomplish this by practicing kindness, compassion, mentorship, and service for all students and faculty.
Students at Parkersburg High School can choose from several programs of study for academics. They can also get involved with the PHS Journalism and Mass Media program. Parkersburg High School has a student news site called The Journal that students can be a part of as well as a yearbook team students can join.
Musselman High School
126 Excellence Way, Inwood, WV 25428
Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia has a student population of 1,686. This school ranked within the top 15 best public high schools in the state and the teachers ranked as the 10th best out of all the high schools in West Virginia.
The core values of Musselman High School are accountability, integrity, and respect. Part of their mission is to provide students with educational excellence in an academically challenging and safe atmosphere. Musselman High School also aims to inspire and empower students through their school counseling program. The counselors help students with career and college exploration, scholarship and financial aid information, as well as assistance with graduation.
Wheeling Park High School
1976 Park View Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003
Wheeling Park High School is a public school in Wheeling, West Virginia with 1,518 students. This school ranked as the 2nd best college prep high school in the state as well as the 6th best public high school overall.
At Wheeling Park High School, they combine the academic program with a technical program to prepare students for future jobs in numerous technical fields. Wheeling Park High School has been recognized as a National School of Excellence and their test scores exceed the state and national level in each grade. The high school building at Wheeling Park includes physical education, special education, and technical education.
Parkersburg South High School
1511 Blizzard Dr, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Parkersburg South High School is a public school with 1,502 students in grades 9-12. The history of Parkersburg South High School dates back to 1967 and the school was officially dedicated in 1968. The school has grown over the years and graduated over 21,000 students.
Additionally, the athletics program at Parkersburg South is an important part of the community and culture. Students can participate in sports such as basketball, wrestling, and football. Many of the athletics teams at the school have also won state championships including the cross-country team, basketball team, and football team.
Martinsburg High School
701 S Queen St, Martinsburg, WV 25401
Martinsburg High School is a part of Berkeley County Schools and has 1,450 students in grades 9-12. The mission of Martinsburg High School is to work collaboratively with students and parents to ensure the success of all students.
Martinsburg High School has ranked as the 2nd most diverse school in West Virginia as well as the 6th best high school for athletes in the state. In addition to the athletics teams, students can join different clubs such as the Velocity Dance Team, AFROTC, and the Good Times and Glitz Show Choirs.
Finding a School in West Virginia
Finding the right school for your child can be a challenge whether you’re looking for the right high school or helping them find a university. West Virginia may not have a lot of big cities, but it still has a wide range of schools and universities for students to choose from.
Many of the largest schools in West Virginia have vibrant student communities and excellent academic and athletics programs. Keep these schools in mind when you’re searching for a new school in the state of West Virginia.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com.