Paden City High School is a 7–12 grade, class A high school in Wetzel County, West Virginia in the small town of Paden City. Paden City High School opened its doors as a 9-12 school in 1951 and graduated its first class in 1952. As of 2014, Paden City High School houses grades 7-12 with an enrollment of 158.
Serving 160 students in grades 7-12, Paden City High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in West Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to the West Virginia state average of 41%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the West Virginia state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 3% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 12% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 7-12
- Enrollment: 160 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 3%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Btm 50% in WV)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paden City High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in West Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Paden City High School's student population of 160 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 7-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
160 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1951
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Paden City High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 617 schools in West Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paden City High School is 0.06, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.22. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#498 out of 617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
28%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
2%
2%
Black
n/a
4%
White
97%
88%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
91%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
50%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WV Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paden City High School's ranking?
Paden City High School is ranked #498 out of 617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in West Virginia.
What schools are Paden City High School often compared to?
Paden City High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Magnolia High School, Tyler Consolidated High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% WV state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% WV state average).
What is the graduation rate of Paden City High School?
The graduation rate of Paden City High School is 90%, which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 91%.
How many students attend Paden City High School?
160 students attend Paden City High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
97% of Paden City High School students are White, 2% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Paden City High School?
Paden City High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the West Virginia state average of 13:1.
What grades does Paden City High School offer ?
Paden City High School offers enrollment in grades 7-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Paden City High School part of?
Paden City High School is part of Wetzel County Schools School District.
School Reviews
5 8/20/2012
Paden City High School provides a high quality education to its students that provides the ability for students to be competitive in the 21st Century at Colleges and Universities and in the work force. PCHS provides countless academic, athletic, fine arts, and academic based extra curricular activities opportunities that ALL students are able to actively participate in. PCHS is a wonderful school and a great opportunity for all to attend.
Review Paden City High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.