As the seventh-largest school district in the state, Harrison County Schools offers its nearly 11,000 students the finest in educational programming through an innovative and well-planned curriculum that prepares each student for a productive pathway beyond high school.

The  Harrison County School District, a premier educational system in north-central West Virginia, is dedicated to meeting the needs of students at each development level. We believe critical thinking, problem-solving, communication skills, global awareness, and technology are paramount in each student’s education. We are proud of our modern, well-maintained facilities and the nearly 1,500 professional and support personnel who are dedicated to the success of each child.

Excellence in education is evidenced in the academic accomplishments of our students. Five-year trend data for ACT scores regularly places Harrison County Schools above the State’s average Composite Score. The SAT, administered to all 11th-grade students free of charge in Spring 2018, showed significant academic gains as well. PROMISE Scholarships are increasingly awarded to our students who have maintained a 3.0 overall GPA and a 22 ACT composite or 1100 SAT total score with a minimum of 510 in math and 540 in evidence-based reading and writing. Growth in the number of Career and Technical Education programs and students who earn workforce credentials has steadily increased at all high schools. The district offers a diverse listing of Advanced Placement courses, and there are substantial dual credit courses available in every subject area for students in grades 9-12 through partnerships with West Virginia University, Fairmont State University, Marshall University, Glenville State College, and Pierpont Community & Technical College. The district’s overall attendance rate is 94% among the 24 schools. Our graduate rate is 89.81, and the West Virginia Department of Education has routinely honored several of our high schools for a 90% or higher graduation rate. Attendance, academic support, student engagement, mentoring, parent involvement, and transitioning programs at our schools support the future citizens of the world on a daily basis.

A district-wide rollout of iPads for each student, grades K-12, has enhanced the modern technologies already available in our schools. Computer labs, STEAM centers, and experiential learning stations are some of the spaces that help our students thrive. Nine of our schools have earned the distinction of West Virginia School of Excellence while four schools are Blue Ribbon Schools. Students in grades K-12 participate in numerous local contests, fairs, and festivals hosted by the district, including social studies and science fairs, spelling bee, oration contests, Youth and Government, Young Writer’s Contest, College and Career Fair for 8th and 9th through 12th graders, Battle of the Books, and math field day. Numerous school-sponsored teams compete in chess, Quiz Bowl, robotics, and coding competitions at the regional and state levels.

Since 1955, Harrison County citizens have supported their schools by passing excess levies to provide textbooks, technology tools, instructional equipment and supplies, award-winning music and theater programs, and other services. All county schools have multiple partnerships with businesses and industries that encourage support for education and offer opportunities to students. Such community support strengthens schools and aids Harrison County Schools in achieving its vision to provide learning opportunities in an environment that allows all individuals to grow to their greatest potential. Among our many unique support programs, Harrison County Schools collaborates with Healthy Harrison to provide fitness and nutrition programs to our students and employees. Also, the Healthy Grandfamilies program offers educational supports to school-aged children who are being raised by grandparents.

In recent years, the district has seen the building of new Lumberport Elementary, Lincoln Middle, and Johnson Elementary schools. Recently, SBA approved the new Lost Creek Elementary and consolidation of Wilsonburg and Adamston Elementaries to form the new Gore Elementary School.  A countywide planning committee of parents, business leaders, and educational professionals develops the Harrison County Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan in order to prioritize projects. The district also constructs and installs energy-related upgrades at facilities throughout the county.

The mission of Harrison County Schools is to achieve excellence in education, through partnership with home and community, so that each student becomes a life-long learner, a responsible citizen, and a productive member of society.

The mission of Harrison County Schools is to achieve excellence in education, through  partnership with home and community, so that each student becomes:

• a life-long learner

• a responsible citizen

• a productive member of society

• All students can succeed.

• All students benefit from an education that is the shared responsibility of the school,

• family, and community.

• All students shall be provided a mentally and physically healthy, safe, 

• and substance-free environment.

• All students can be a lifelong learner and productive citizen.

• All students should demonstrate positive character, civility, and integrity.

The curriculum for children in the county's eleven elementary schools is dynamic and activity­ oriented, expanding capabilities and directing imaginations toward a lifetime of learning.

Preschool through fifth-grade children attend school in well-equipped classrooms, many of which include innovative components to foster student-centered instruction such as project-based and experiential learning, Google Hour, and innovation labs.

Our elementary programs offer federally funded Title I remedial instruction and after school.

programs at eligible schools. They provide student support services through parent volunteers, tutoring, Read-Aloud volunteers, college interns, as well as a Foster Grandparent Program and Healthy Grandfamilies. After-school and extended year programs offer homework assistance, tutoring, and recreation. Schools have active PTAs or PTOs.

The curriculum for grades 6-8 in Harrison County's five middle schools eases the transition from elementary to high school with the sound academic foundation needed to meet the high expectations in secondary schools.  Harrison County's middle schools incorporate opportunities for success for all students as they are asked to think critically, lead a healthy life, behave ethically, work productively, and assume the increasing responsibilities of citizenship.

Middle schools address the special developmental needs of pre-adolescence. Site-based management allows teams to be responsible for student performance and leadership opportunities and for designing and coordinating school programs and events.

Band, vocal, and string music programs, and visual arts classes, expose students to opportunities to performs, as well as visual to acquire a lifelong enjoyment of the arts. Sports, clubs, academic competitions, and career days encourage students to pursue individual interests. After-school programs provide a safe environment for studying, tutoring, and socializing.

Harrison County's five fully accredited high schools offer programs that permit numerous options that provide high academic expectations. A variety of career and technical education classes are offered at each high school, and students may attend United Technical Center, located within Harrison County. United Technical Center offers programs such as masonry, welding, small engine repair, and hospitality careers, medical technology, and various other technical programs. As we look at the profile of a Harrison County Schools graduate, it is our goal that each student will leave with a CTE certification or possess the necessary skills and passion to explore post-secondary education at a two or four-year institution. Students who would benefit from a smaller,  more structured school environment may attend half-day or full-day schedules at United High School.

The state-mandated curriculum drives the secondary program. Individual schools may develop courses to meet the interests and needs of their students. Possibilities for participation in athletics cover the entire spectrum of team and individual sports, and students compete successfully in regional and state events in a variety of student-athletics programs. Virtual education and distance learning classes are also offered throughout the district.