| Metric | McDowell County School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,537 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 10 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $12,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| McDowell County School District (this district) | 1/10 | 2nd | 2,537 |
| Berkeley County Schools | 3/10 | 24th | 19,856 |
| Monongalia County Schools | 10/10 | 98th | 11,297 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 55 rated districts in WV → 2nd percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Bradshaw Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 214 students
- Iaeger Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 201 students
- Welch Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 189 students
- Kimball Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 164 students
- Fall River Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 112 students
- Sandy River Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 240 students
- River View High School — Grades 9–12 · 405 students
- McDowell Career & Technology Center — Grades 9–12
- Mount View High School — Grades 6–12 · 521 students
- Southside K-8 — Grades PK–8 · 266 students
- Coalfield Elementary School
About McDowell County School District
McDowell County School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 24868 in Northfork, West Virginia. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 24868. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates McDowell County School District 1 out of 10 — low-rated among West Virginia public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2021–22 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because West Virginia is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
McDowell County School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in West Virginia on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 24868
Children in zip code 24868 are assigned to McDowell County School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 24868, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact McDowell County School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — West Virginia districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Northfork
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because McDowell County School District serves zip code 24868, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 24868. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In West Virginia, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support McDowell County School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 24868.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with McDowell County School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 24868 data.