Average
#491 of 635 schools in WV
Watson Elementary School
Elementary School · MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS
1579 Mary Lou Retton Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554
Enrollment
376
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
376
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
5.0
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
West Virginia schools
#491 of 635
In Fairmont
#7 of 8
public schools
In district
#18 of 19
MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS
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Watson Elementary School
Elementary School in Fairmont · grades Pre-K – 4th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
East Fairmont High School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Jayenne Elementary School
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Watson Elementary School
Watson Elementary School is a public elementary school in Fairmont, WV, part of MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS. Watson Elementary School serves approximately 376 students, and covers grades Pre-K-4th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Watson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #491 of 635 schools in WV.
Structured state assessment records for Watson Elementary School show 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.0 · Average
- District avg 7.1
- WV avg 6.6
What Parents Should Know
40% of students at Watson Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Watson Elementary School — Students at Watson Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Test Scores WV WVGSA (2024-25)
Based on 33 test records from WV state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 4.7/10.
How Watson Elementary School Compares
See how Watson Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1579 Mary Lou Retton Dr, Fairmont, WV 26554
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Watson Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Pleasant Valley Elementary School (rated 9.3/10, 1.2 miles away, in nearby Pleasant Valley), which scores notably higher. Another option is West Taylor Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 9.7 miles away, in nearby Flemington), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Barrackville Elementary/Middle School (rated 8.4/10, 2.8 miles away, in nearby Barrackville), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Fairmont, see our Fairmont schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 10.1 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 26554 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,271
Median Home Value
$181,800
Median Rent
$931/mo
Population
42,116
College Educated
30.1%
Homeownership
72.6%
Avg Commute
23.3 min
Poverty Rate
13.1%
Median Age
38.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bradley Elementary School Mount Hope, WV | 5.0 |
| East Hardy Elementary School Baker, WV | 5.1 |
| Hollywood Elementary Beckley, WV | 5.1 |
| Mason Dixon Elementary Blacksville, WV | 5.1 |
| Montrose Elementary School Charleston, WV | 5.1 |
| North Elementary School Morgantown, WV | 5.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Watson Elementary School
What grades does Watson Elementary School serve?
Watson Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Watson Elementary School?
Watson Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 376 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Watson Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Watson Elementary School is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Watson Elementary School rank in WV?
Watson Elementary School ranks #491 of 635 schools in WV.
What is Watson Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Watson Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Watson Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Watson Elementary School has 37% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 39% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Watson Elementary School a charter school?
No, Watson Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Watson Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Watson Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 376
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Marion County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.6%
- Phone
- (304) 367-2156
Resources & Links
District
MARION COUNTY SCHOOLS- District Enrollment
- 7,291
- Schools in District
- 21
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $14,106
- District Rank
- #18 of 19
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