Average
#363 of 635 schools in WV
South Preston School
Elementary School · PRESTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
5258 South Preston Highway, Tunnelton, WV 26444
Enrollment
330
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
330
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Tunnelton
#2 of 2
public schools
West Virginia elementary schools
#258 of 407
In district
#5 of 10
PRESTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
Academic growth
7.2 / 10
Strong
About South Preston School
South Preston School is a regular public elementary school located in the rural setting of Tunnelton, West Virginia. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, South Preston has an enrollment of 330 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.2:1, which ensures that each child receives personalized attention. The dedicated teaching staff consists of 25 full-time equivalent teachers who work hard to support the academic needs of their students.
According to MySchoolScout’s ranking system, South Preston School is rated at 3.8 out of 10 overall and holds a state rank of #529 out of 641 schools in West Virginia, placing it in the 18th percentile. In terms of academic performance, students score an average of 34% proficient or above in ELA/Reading and 23% proficient or above in Math across all grades. While South Preston School shows areas where improvement is needed, it remains committed to fostering a nurturing environment for its rural community’s children.
The school's setting provides a close-knit atmosphere that supports students as they grow academically and socially within the scenic landscapes of West Virginia.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at South Preston School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Located in a rural area, South Preston School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
South Preston School — Students at South Preston School score 30% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WV EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 5 test records from WV state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.2/10.
How South Preston School Compares
See how South Preston School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 23% (2019) to 25% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 33% (2021) to 34% (2022).
Location
5258 South Preston Highway, Tunnelton, WV 26444
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South Preston School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Fellowsville Elementary (rated 9.2/10, 4.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Terra Alta/east Preston School (rated 7.8/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Terra Alta), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Brookhaven Elementary School (rated 7.6/10, 17.4 miles away, in nearby Morgantown), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tunnelton, see our Tunnelton schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 19.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowsville Elementary Tunnelton | 4.5 mi | 9.2 |
| Rowlesburg School Rowlesburg | 4.9 mi | 3.1 |
| Central Preston Middle School Kingwood | 7.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Kingwood Elementary Kingwood | 7.6 mi | 4.4 |
| West Preston School Arthurdale | 8.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Preston High School Kingwood | 7.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Kasson Elementary/Middle School Moatsville | 12.0 mi | 6.6 |
| Aurora School Aurora | 12.5 mi | 3.7 |
| CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RANCH Morgantown | 15.3 mi | — |
| Ridgedale Elementary School Morgantown | 14.8 mi | 7.3 |
| Terra Alta/east Preston School Terra Alta | 13.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Anna Jarvis Elementary School Grafton | 13.4 mi | 2.8 |
| Grafton High School Grafton | 14.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Brookhaven Elementary School Morgantown | 17.4 mi | 7.6 |
| ST FRANCIS DE SALES CENTRAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Morgantown | 16.8 mi | 6.2 |
| COVENANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Morgantown | 18.0 mi | 7.2 |
| TRINITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Morgantown | 18.3 mi | 5.9 |
| MORGANTOWN CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Morgantown | 18.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Mountainview Elementary School Morgantown | 18.3 mi | 7.5 |
| Cheat Lake Elementary School Morgantown | 19.4 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 26444 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$46,667
Median Home Value
$111,000
Median Rent
$640/mo
Population
3,300
College Educated
13%
Homeownership
85.7%
Avg Commute
44.5 min
Poverty Rate
16%
Median Age
47.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding South Preston School has a median household income of $46,667. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $111,000, with a median rent of $640/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.0%. The average commute in the area is 45 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Edgewood Elementary Charleston, WV | 6.0 |
| Spencer Elementary School Spencer, WV | 6.0 |
| Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary Beckley, WV | 6.1 |
| Overbrook Elementary School Charleston, WV | 5.9 |
| Southside K-8 War, WV | 6.1 |
| Athens Elementary School Athens, WV | 6.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South Preston School
What grades does South Preston School serve?
South Preston School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend South Preston School?
South Preston School has an enrollment of approximately 330 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South Preston School?
The student-teacher ratio at South Preston School is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South Preston School rank in WV?
South Preston School is ranked #363 out of 635 schools in WV.
What is South Preston School's MySchoolScout rating?
South Preston School has a composite rating of 6.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at South Preston School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Preston School has 22.7% math proficiency and 33.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South Preston School a charter school?
No, South Preston School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South Preston School a Title I school?
No, South Preston School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (137/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 330
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 25
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Preston County
- Phone
- (304) 568-2331
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
PRESTON COUNTY SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 3,949
- Schools in District
- 10
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,793
- District Rank
- #5 of 10
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyGet school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.