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Preston High School

Summary:

Preston High School is a public high school located in Kingwood, West Virginia, serving grades 8-12 with a total enrollment of 1,178 students. The school is part of the Preston County Schools district, which is ranked 34 out of 55 districts in the state and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Preston High School faces several key challenges, including low academic performance, lack of diversity, and socioeconomic factors that may be impacting student outcomes. The school's academic performance, as measured by the percentage of students proficient or better in the West Virginia Assessment, is consistently below the state averages, with proficiency rates of 6.8% in Mathematics, 46.4% in English Language Arts, and 21.2% in Science. In comparison, Morgantown High School, a high-performing school in the neighboring Monongalia County district, has substantially higher proficiency rates in these core subjects. Additionally, Preston High School has a significantly higher percentage of white students (97.37%) compared to the state average, with very low representation of minority students.

The school's performance also varies significantly among different student subgroups, with female students performing better than male students and the school struggling with the performance of special education and low socioeconomic status students. The school's high percentage of free and reduced-price lunch recipients (39.62%) suggests that a significant portion of the student population faces socioeconomic challenges, which may contribute to the school's academic struggles. Overall, Preston High School's consistent ranking in the bottom half of West Virginia high schools and the declining proficiency rates in core subjects are areas of concern that the school district and community should address to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for the students.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 400 Knight Dr
       Kingwood, WV  26537-1568

(304) 329-0400

District: Preston County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
74th of 112 West Virginia High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,981 Help


Feeder schools for Preston High School:

Elementary:    Aurora School
    Bruceton School
    Fellowsville Elementary
    Kingwood Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Central Preston Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  14.0 Help
Number of students:  1,120

Racial breakdown:

White:
96.4%
Two or more races:
1.6%
Hispanic:
1.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  39.6% Help


 See top rated West Virginia high schools

 Compare Preston High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Preston High School ranks worse than 66.1% of high schools in West Virginia. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 31.13. (See more...)
Help
The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Preston High School who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (96.4%), two or more races (1.6%), Hispanic (1.3%). (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Preston High School is 14. (See more...)
Help
Compare Preston High School employs 80 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Preston High School is $9,981.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Preston High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Preston High School 74th of 112 West Virginia public high schools. (See Preston High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Preston County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Preston County Schools 34th of 55 West Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Preston High School?

Rank History for Preston High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2009 45.51 69th 111 37.8%
2010 35.19 83rd 112 25.9%
2011 32.03 91st 113 19.5%
2012 38.71 73rd 113 35.4%
2013 33.02 82nd 114 28.1%
2014 30.52 94th 115 18.3%
2015 38.00 80th 117 31.6%
2016 33.71 92nd 119 22.7%
2017 45.71 71st 122 41.8%
2018 28.55 85th 115 26.1%
2019 31.58 79th 114 30.7%
2021 16.16 98th 113 13.3%
2022 25.75 83rd 112 25.9%
2023 22.07 93rd 112 17.0%
2024 31.13 74th 112 33.9%
See the entire list of West Virginia High School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 37.94 75th 118 36.4%
2018 29.97 71st 103 31.1%
2019 23.64 65th 85 23.5%
2023 20.50 74th 89 16.9%
2024 21.14 76th 89 14.6%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 29.10 98th 121 19.0%
2018 22.53 96th 112 14.3%
2021 15.64 99th 111 10.8%
2022 45.29 61st 109 44.0%
2023 14.97 97th 107 9.3%
2024 38.29 70th 110 36.4%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 28.76 9th 13 30.8%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 47.15 60th 119 49.6%
2018 30.16 82nd 111 26.1%
2019 47.66 53rd 109 51.4%
2021 24.19 87th 110 20.9%
2022 35.92 71st 108 34.3%
2023 33.00 69th 108 36.1%
2024 50.95 55th 110 50.0%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 27.28 64th 84 23.8%
2022 41.32 54th 91 40.7%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 42.44 77th 122 36.9%
2018 25.67 85th 111 23.4%
2019 21.06 93rd 109 14.7%
2021 13.31 99th 110 10.0%
2022 18.73 93rd 108 13.9%
2023 13.22 99th 108 8.3%
2024 18.64 88th 109 19.3%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 80.75 2nd 47 95.7%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 49.63 33rd 82 59.8%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 28.09 50th 59 15.3%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Preston High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WV State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2017 44.21 73rd 122 40.2%
2018 26.83 85th 113 24.8%
2019 31.71 78th 112 30.4%
2021 15.99 97th 113 14.2%
2022 23.55 85th 111 23.4%
2023 21.09 93rd 112 17.0%
2024 30.75 74th 111 33.3%
See the entire list of Best West Virginia High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: West Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Preston High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: West Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
No reviews have been submitted!

Enrollment information for Preston High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1992 1165 4 5 2 1 n/a n/a 0 1177
1993 1200 4 5 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1209
1994 1216 5 4 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1225
1995 1182 5 2 4 2 n/a n/a 0 1195
1996 1182 5 2 4 2 n/a n/a 0 1195
1997 1157 5 5 1 2 n/a n/a 0 1170
1998 1191 3 4 4 2 n/a n/a 0 1204
1999 1560 6 4 10 1 n/a n/a 0 1581
2000 1524 8 10 4 1 n/a n/a 0 1547
2001 1471 6 9 2 2 n/a n/a 0 1490
2002 1414 9 7 4 3 n/a n/a 0 1437
2003 1414 9 7 4 3 n/a n/a 0 1437
2004 1394 10 5 4 3 n/a n/a 0 1416
2005 1409 15 6 3 1 n/a n/a 0 1434
2006 1364 12 4 3 0 n/a n/a 0 1383
2007 1318 16 2 0 1 n/a n/a 0 1337
2008 1312 12 2 1 1 n/a n/a 0 1328
2009 1299 10 4 4 1 n/a n/a 0 1318
2010 1324 12 2 6 1 0 0 0 1345
2011 1327 6 0 2 0 0 1 0 1336
2012 1357 11 1 1 0 0 0 0 1370
2013 1313 10 1 2 1 1 3 0 1331
2014 1292 11 1 4 1 0 2 0 1311
2015 1240 11 3 8 1 0 2 0 1265
2016 1177 15 2 8 1 0 2 0 1205
2017 1161 12 1 9 0 0 2 0 1185
2018 1174 9 2 8 0 0 3 0 1196
2019 1192 6 0 8 1 0 6 0 1213
2020 1180 9 0 9 0 0 4 0 1202
2021 1186 7 0 10 0 0 6 0 1209
2022 1175 4 0 12 0 0 12 0 1203
2023 1147 4 0 13 0 0 14 0 1178
2024 1080 6 1 15 0 0 18 0 1120

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Preston High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 1177 44.2 26.6 28.1
1993 1209 44.0 27.5 29.1
1994 1225 83.0 14.8 30
1995 1195 79.0 15.1 38.4
1996 1195 79.0 15.1 38.4
1997 1170 79.1 14.8 32.3
1998 1204 80.5 15.0 33.3
1999 1581 101.0 15.7 48.3
2000 1547 98.0 15.8 45.9
2001 1490 93.0 16.0 55.5
2002 1437 88.5 16.2 44.6
2003 1437 88.5 16.2 44.6
2004 1416 88.9 15.9 48.4
2005 1434 90.6 15.8 43.2
2006 1383 90.4 15.3 43.5
2007 1337 96.8 13.8 41.5
2008 1328 95.2 13.9 43
2009 1318 99.9 13.2 43.4
2010 1345 92.6 14.5 47.1
2011 1336 95.1 14.0 42.4
2012 1370 87.6 15.6 39.1
2013 1331 86.6 15.3 42.7
2014 1311 80.6 16.2 50.6
2015 1265 83.0 15.2 41.4
2016 1205 84.0 14.3 43.5
2017 1185 83.1 14.2 42.4
2018 1196 79.5 15.0 47.2
2019 1213 81.5 14.8 44.4
2020 1202 84.5 14.2 44.8
2021 1209 84.0 14.3 39.6
2022 1203 82.0 14.6 n/a
2023 1178 84.0 14.0 n/a
2024 1120 80.0 14.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Preston High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1992 1177 44.2 26.6 28.1
1993 1209 44.0 27.5 29.1
1994 1225 83.0 14.8 30
1995 1195 79.0 15.1 38.4
1996 1195 79.0 15.1 38.4
1997 1170 79.1 14.8 32.3
1998 1204 80.5 15.0 33.3
1999 1581 101.0 15.7 48.3
2000 1547 98.0 15.8 45.9
2001 1490 93.0 16.0 55.5
2002 1437 88.5 16.2 44.6
2003 1437 88.5 16.2 44.6
2004 1416 88.9 15.9 48.4
2005 1434 90.6 15.8 43.2
2006 1383 90.4 15.3 43.5
2007 1337 96.8 13.8 41.5
2008 1328 95.2 13.9 43
2009 1318 99.9 13.2 43.4
2010 1345 92.6 14.5 47.1
2011 1336 95.1 14.0 42.4
2012 1370 87.6 15.6 39.1
2013 1331 86.6 15.3 42.7
2014 1311 80.6 16.2 50.6
2015 1265 83.0 15.2 41.4
2016 1205 84.0 14.3 43.5
2017 1185 83.1 14.2 42.4
2018 1196 79.5 15.0 47.2
2019 1213 81.5 14.8 44.4
2020 1202 84.5 14.2 44.8
2021 1209 84.0 14.3 39.6
2022 1203 82.0 14.6 n/a
2023 1178 84.0 14.0 n/a
2024 1120 80.0 14.0 n/a

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Preston High School

Help

YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $858 (8.6%) $9,122 (91.4%) $9,980

Data source: West Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Preston High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 79th of 114 High schoolsRanks 93rd of 112 High schools
 13.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
11th Grade Mathematics (Preston High School)15.19.4
 5.7%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Preston County Schools)15.19.4
 5.7%
   11th Grade Mathematics (West Virginia)2421.5
 2.5%
11th Grade English Language Arts (Preston High School)44.440.1
 4.3%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (Preston County Schools)44.440.1
 4.3%
   11th Grade English Language Arts (West Virginia)51.849.9
 1.9%
11th Grade Science (Preston High School)25.519.3
 6.2%
   11th Grade Science (Preston County Schools)25.519.3
 6.2%
   11th Grade Science (West Virginia)29.227.9
 1.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students12131178
 2.9%
African American64
 33.3%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian00
Hispanic813
 62.5%
Pacific Islander00
White11921147
 3.8%
Two or More Races614
 133.3%

Schools Near Preston High School








Frequently Asked Questions about Preston High School

Preston High School ranks 74th of 112 West Virginia high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Preston High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Aurora School
Elementary : Bruceton School
Elementary : Fellowsville Elementary
Elementary : Kingwood Elementary
Elementary : Rowlesburg School
Elementary : South Preston School
Elementary : Terra Alta/East Preston School
Elementary : West Preston School
Middle : Central Preston Middle School

Students at Preston High School are 96% White, 2% Two or more races, 1% Hispanic.

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,120 students attended Preston High School.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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