Schools in West Virginia

Eastern Panhandle residents are proud of their school systems where children and adults alike are provided a supportive and up-to-date atmosphere to put them on the road to becoming more productive citizens. A strong Partners in Education program provides schools with additional support plus an understanding of how valuable their education is to the community.

Jefferson County
This system includes nine elementary and intermediate schools, three junior high schools and one high school. In order to implement one of its goals to increase facilities, the school board has organized a Millennium Committee to assess current plans and develop programs to carry into the 21st century. Plans to expand Jefferson High School and to build another high school are in the works. All-day kindergarten is a goal that is close to being fulfilled. GED, adult and community education programs are available. Building expansion and technology support, such as a cable channel and website for the schools, are in place to support the ultimate goal of "quality education for every student" with an emphasis on a high standard of achievement. 304-725-9741

Berkeley County
The school board's building program has recently brought the county the new Mussleman High School in the Inwood area and Potomac Elementary in North Berkeley. These new facilities bring to a total count of 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, one alternative school and one vocational school available to serve approximately 12,000 students. This was the first West Virginia school district awarded the America 2000 designation by the US Department of Education. Berkeley County school teachers maintain an average of 15 years experience and 53% hold master's degrees or higher. Ample facilities, technology support including computers in every school, and a strong vocational program, plus community involvement, are in place. These factors enable the system to implement its mission of maximizing the potential of each student from pre-kindergarten to adult. Berkeley County has the fastest growing student population in West Virginia. 304-267-3500

Morgan County
The Panhandle's most rural county provides state-of-the-art facilities for its 2,300 students in six elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools. Each school boasts at least one computer lab. The new Warm Springs Middle School offers an impressive technical education lab with computer simulation programs specific to numerous on-the-job applications. This new school also provides foreign language classes at a younger age than usual, reflecting an attitude toward a curriculum contrary to what might be expected in small town schools. It starts with kindergarten students and even applies to problem high school students who are served by a special program to keep them in school and on track.

Higher Education

James Rumsey Technical Institute
This facility, located near Hedgesville in Berkeley County, provides over 40 programs of vocational and technical training for both high school students and adults. Thanks to recent expansion, high school students can attend a full curriculum of classes at the facility while focusing on skills that will apply to their chosen career. A collaboration with local employers allows the school to develop programs that will provide the students with the skill for the local job market and provide employers with qualified employees. The Community Learning Information Network available at James Rumsey is a learning system available to all through the computer workstations at the school. The school places over 90% of its high school and adult graduates in job positions. 304-754-7925

Shepherd College
This state supported, four-year liberal arts college, has an attendance of approximately 4,000 students studying for degrees in business, education, creative arts, and most liberal arts and sciences. There are academic programs available in 75 fields. Two-year and technology degrees are offered through the Community & Technical College at Shepherd. An extensive library is being expanded to include over 300 acres in Shepherdstown with facilities and amenities to benefit both students and the surrounding community. 304-876-5212 or 800-344-5231

West Virginia University Graduate Center
Based in Shepherdstown with classes offered in numerous convenient locations, the Graduate Center offers 18 masters degree programs to 300 part-time, adult students for personal and career advancement. The center is a fully accredited extension of West Virginia University in Morgantown. 304-876-2536

Private Schools

• Claymont Court - A nondenominational alternative school in Jefferson County serving 30 pre-school through 6th grade students. 304-725-8889
• St. Joseph's - A Catholic K-8 grade school in Martinsburg. 304-267-6447
• Faith Christian Academy - An interdenominational Christian school in the Martinsburg area, serving 226 students in grades K-12. 304-263-0011
• Martinsburg Christian Academy - A Baptist-run school providing approximately 200 students education from kindergarten to 12th grade. 304-267-6368
• Rocky Knoll Seventh Day Adventist School - Serving approximately 50 students in grades 1-8. Located in Berkeley County. 304-263-9894
• Country Day School - A non-denominational, parent-based institution serving approximately 100 students in grades K-9. Located in Jefferson County. 304-725-1438