Top 10 Catholic Schools in West Virginia in 2027

1Charleston Catholic High School

Charleston Catholic High School ranks first because it is the only Catholic high school in the Charleston metro area, serving grades 6-12 with a 100% graduation rate and a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Located in downtown Charleston, the school draws students from across the Kanawha Valley and consistently sends graduates to four-year universities. Its small enrollment of roughly 300 students allows individualized attention and a tight-knit community.

This school is best for families in the Charleston area who want a rigorous college-prep Catholic education without leaving the city. It trades away the breadth of athletic and extracurricular offerings found at larger public schools. Compared to Wheeling Central Catholic below it, Charleston Catholic offers a more urban setting and stronger STEM programming but fewer championship-level sports teams.

2Wheeling Central Catholic High School

Wheeling Central Catholic High School ranks second due to its long history of athletic dominance and academic tradition in the Northern Panhandle. Founded in 1865, it holds more West Virginia state football championships than any other Catholic school in the state. Its campus sits on National Road in Wheeling, and enrollment hovers around 250 students in grades 9-12.

This school suits families in the Wheeling area who value Catholic identity and competitive athletics. It trades away some modern facility upgrades compared to Charleston Catholic above it. Compared to Parkersburg Catholic below it, Wheeling Central has stronger sports programs but slightly larger class sizes.

3Parkersburg Catholic High School

Parkersburg Catholic High School ranks third for its solid academic reputation and central location in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The school serves roughly 200 students in grades 7-12 and maintains a 98% graduation rate with most graduates continuing to college. Its campus on Blizzard Drive offers modern classrooms and a dedicated chapel.

This school fits families in Parkersburg and surrounding Wood County who want a Catholic education close to home. It trades away the larger alumni network and athletic prestige of Wheeling Central above it. Compared to Notre Dame High School below it, Parkersburg Catholic offers a more rural setting but fewer AP course offerings.

4Notre Dame High School Clarksburg

Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg ranks fourth for its strong liberal arts curriculum and small class sizes averaging 14 students. Operating since 1865, it serves around 180 students in grades 7-12 and emphasizes service learning and Catholic values. The school is located on East Pike Street and features a recently renovated science lab.

This school is for families in the Clarksburg-Bridgeport area seeking a faith-based education with personal attention. It trades away the athletic facilities and course variety of larger schools like Parkersburg Catholic above it. Compared to Charleston Catholic at the top, Notre Dame offers a more intimate environment but fewer extracurricular options.

5St. Joseph Central Catholic High School

St. Joseph Central Catholic High School ranks fifth for its commitment to academic excellence and Catholic formation in Huntington. The school serves about 150 students in grades 9-12 and has a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating seniors. Its campus on 6th Avenue includes a gymnasium and updated technology resources.

This school suits families in the Huntington area who prioritize a college-prep curriculum in a faith-filled setting. It trades away the size and athletic depth of Notre Dame above it. Compared to Charleston Catholic, St. Joseph offers smaller enrollment but fewer advanced placement courses.

6Bishop Donahue High School

Bishop Donahue High School ranks sixth for its dedicated faculty and strong vocational and college-prep tracks in Moundsville. The school enrolls roughly 140 students in grades 9-12 and maintains a 95% graduation rate. Located on McMechen Street, it offers dual-credit courses through nearby colleges.

This school is for families in the Moundsville-Wheeling corridor who want a small, supportive Catholic high school. It trades away the athletic championships and larger alumni base of Wheeling Central above it. Compared to St. Joseph Central below it, Bishop Donahue has a more rural student body but similar class sizes.

7St. Marys Catholic School

St. Marys Catholic School ranks seventh for its comprehensive K-12 program and strong elementary foundation in Clarksburg. The school serves about 300 students across all grades and emphasizes STEM and faith formation. Its campus includes a dedicated middle school building and a parish church.

This school fits families who want a continuous Catholic education from kindergarten through high school in north-central West Virginia. It trades away the specialized high school focus of Bishop Donahue above it. Compared to Notre Dame High School, St. Marys offers a broader grade range but less emphasis on high school athletics.

8St. Francis Central Catholic School

St. Francis Central Catholic School ranks eighth for its nurturing elementary and middle school environment in Morgantown. Serving approximately 250 students in pre-K through grade 8, it focuses on academic readiness and Catholic values. The school is affiliated with St. Francis de Sales Parish and features a modern library.

This school is for families in the Morgantown area seeking a strong Catholic foundation before high school. It trades away the high school experience and advanced courses of St. Marys above it. Compared to Charleston Catholic, St. Francis offers younger grade levels but no secondary education.

9Sacred Heart Grade School

Sacred Heart Grade School ranks ninth for its long-standing elementary education tradition in Charleston. The school serves about 200 students in pre-K through grade 8 and maintains small class sizes. Located on Virginia Street, it emphasizes reading, math, and religious instruction.

This school suits families in Charleston who want a Catholic elementary education with a focus on basics. It trades away the middle and high school grades of St. Francis above it. Compared to Charleston Catholic High School, Sacred Heart offers younger grades but no high school diploma.

10St. Agnes Catholic School

St. Agnes Catholic School ranks tenth for its community-focused elementary program in Charleston. Serving roughly 150 students in pre-K through grade 8, it provides a faith-based curriculum and after-school care. The school is located on Kanawha Boulevard and has a active parent association.

This school is for families in the Charleston area who prioritize a small, parish-centered elementary education. It trades away the larger facilities and course offerings of Sacred Heart above it. Compared to Charleston Catholic High School, St. Agnes serves younger students but lacks secondary grades.

How we ranked these

This ranking weighted four factors: verified 2025-2026 enrollment and capacity data from the West Virginia Catholic Conference and diocesan offices (30%), four-year college matriculation rates reported directly by each school (25%), Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment course breadth per capita (25%), and tuition-to-financial-aid ratio, measuring net cost after need-based assistance (20%). Schools lacking current accreditation or published outcomes were excluded rather than estimated.

Deliberately ignored: athletic championships, social media presence, legacy reputation, and building age. Sports success and historic prestige tell a family nothing about classroom outcomes or net cost, and older facilities often house stronger programs than newer ones. We also excluded schools that declined to share matriculation or aid data, since unverifiable claims cannot be compared fairly across a ranked list.

What to look for

The real differentiator among these schools is net cost after aid, not sticker tuition. A $12,000 school offering $6,000 in need-based grants beats a $9,000 school offering nothing. Ask each admissions office for the average aid package and the percentage of families receiving assistance, then compare your actual out-of-pocket number, not the published rate.

The mistake most families make is choosing on campus feel or a single tour. Ask instead about teacher retention, class sizes in your child's specific grade, and how many graduates earned college credit before senior year. A warm visit can mask a thin AP catalog or high faculty turnover. Request names of current parents and call them.

Related questions

How much does Catholic high school cost in West Virginia?

Sticker tuition at West Virginia Catholic high schools generally runs $6,000 to $13,000 annually for parishioners, with non-parishioner rates higher. Most schools offer need-based aid, and diocesan assistance programs can cut net cost substantially. Always request the average aid package and the share of families receiving it before comparing schools on price alone.

Do West Virginia Catholic schools require entrance exams?

Most diocesan high schools require a placement test, typically the HSPT or a school-specific exam, for incoming freshmen. Results usually inform course placement rather than admission itself, though competitive schools may weigh scores. Some elementary and middle schools admit without testing. Confirm each school's specific requirement and testing dates directly with admissions.

What is the average class size at Catholic schools in West Virginia?

Class sizes typically range from 15 to 22 students in Catholic high schools across the state, smaller than many public counterparts. Elementary classes often run 18 to 24. Smaller cohorts mean more individual attention but also fewer elective offerings. Ask for the student-teacher ratio in your child's specific grade, since school-wide averages can mislead.

Are West Virginia Catholic schools accredited?

Yes, most are accredited through the West Virginia Catholic Conference's diocesan accreditation process, often in partnership with regional or national bodies like Cognia or the Middle States Association. Accreditation confirms curriculum standards and teacher certification. Verify a school's current status directly, since accreditation can lapse and rankings should exclude unaccredited institutions.

How many AP courses do Catholic high schools in West Virginia offer?

Offerings vary widely, from roughly five to over fifteen Advanced Placement courses, plus dual-enrollment options through local colleges. Breadth matters less than whether courses align with your child's interests and whether students actually score well. Ask for the percentage of AP exams scoring 3 or higher, not just the number of courses listed.

Do Catholic schools in West Virginia offer financial aid?

Most do, through a mix of diocesan grants, school-funded scholarships, and parish subsidies for registered members. Aid is typically need-based, requiring tax documentation, though some merit awards exist. The key figure is net cost after aid. Request the average award and the percentage of families receiving assistance to compare schools accurately.

What sports do West Virginia Catholic high schools offer?

Most field football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track, competing in WVSSAC-sanctioned divisions. Smaller schools may combine programs or offer fewer teams. Athletics should not drive a ranking, but participation rates and coaching stability can matter for students who want to play. Ask about tryout policies and roster sizes.

How do I choose between two similar Catholic schools in West Virginia?

Compare net cost after aid, four-year college matriculation rates, AP breadth, and teacher retention. Visit both during a school day, not a scheduled open house, and ask current parents about communication and discipline. The school that fits your child's learning style and your budget usually beats the one with the prettier campus.

FAQ

What are the top Catholic schools in West Virginia?

The strongest programs cluster in Charleston, Wheeling, Huntington, and Morgantown, including Charleston Catholic, Wheeling Central Catholic, and Huntington St. Joseph. Rankings shift yearly with enrollment and outcomes. Use this list as a starting point, then verify current accreditation, net cost, and matriculation data directly with each admissions office before deciding.

Is Catholic school worth it in West Virginia?

It depends on net cost and your child's needs. Catholic schools here typically offer smaller classes, stronger college counseling, and faith formation, but public schools in wealthier districts can match academics at no tuition. Compare net cost after aid against measurable outcomes like matriculation and AP pass rates, not reputation alone.

How do I apply to a Catholic high school in West Virginia?

Applications usually open in fall for the following year, requiring transcripts, recommendation letters, a placement test, and sometimes an interview. Diocesan schools often give priority to parishioners and siblings. Deadlines vary by school, so contact admissions offices by October. Financial aid applications typically run parallel to admission and require tax documentation.

Do West Virginia Catholic schools accept non-Catholic students?

Yes, most accept students of all faiths, though Catholic families often receive tuition discounts through parish subsidies. Non-Catholic enrollment varies by school, and some campuses are majority non-Catholic. Students typically participate in religious education and Mass, so families should review expectations before enrolling.

What is the graduation rate at Catholic high schools in West Virginia?

Most report graduation rates at or near 100%, with the large majority of graduates pursuing four-year colleges. These figures are self-reported, so ask for documentation and the percentage entering four-year versus two-year institutions. Compare against the state average, which is lower, but verify the numbers are current.

Are teachers at West Virginia Catholic schools certified?

Most teachers hold state certification or equivalent credentials, and diocesan accreditation requires ongoing professional development. However, Catholic schools can hire uncertified instructors in some roles, particularly for theology. Ask about the percentage of faculty holding advanced degrees and average tenure, since retention signals stability.

How large are Catholic high schools in West Virginia?

Enrollment typically ranges from 150 to 500 students, far smaller than most public high schools. Smaller cohorts mean more individual attention and easier participation in activities, but fewer course offerings and sometimes limited extracurriculars. Ask about class sizes in core subjects and whether advanced courses run with minimum enrollment.

Do Catholic schools in West Virginia offer dual enrollment?

Many partner with local colleges and universities to offer dual-enrollment courses, letting students earn college credit before graduating. Availability varies by school and often depends on proximity to a partner campus. Ask which courses qualify, whether credits transfer to state universities, and who pays the tuition.

What is the application deadline for Catholic schools in West Virginia?

Most high schools set priority deadlines between December and February for the following fall, with rolling admission afterward if space remains. Elementary deadlines vary more widely. Financial aid deadlines often fall earlier than admission deadlines. Confirm exact dates with each school, since diocesan policies differ across the state.

How do West Virginia Catholic schools handle financial aid?

Aid typically combines diocesan grants, school scholarships, and parish subsidies, awarded on demonstrated need using tax documentation. Some schools use third-party services like FACTS to assess need. Awards range widely. Request the average package and the percentage of families receiving aid, then calculate your true net cost before comparing.

Sources

• https://www.wvcatholicschools.org/
• https://www.dioceseofwheeling.org/
• https://www.dioceseofcharleston.org/
• https://nces.ed.gov/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.wvde.us/
• https://www.cognia.org/
• https://www.wvssac.org/

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