Raleigh County Schools
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State Law

West Virginia is a
"May" state

Learn more about state laws.

Location Map BECKLEY, WV 25801 Raleigh County
Lifewise Local Program Website Link (opens in a new tab)
District Poverty Rate 20.5% (data source)
Non-White Students 15.9% (data source)
NCES Link NCES District Info
Last Updated January 20, 2026
West Virginia State Law

School districts may create a policy allowing students to be released for religious study, or they may choose not to coordinate with released-time programs and require the students' legal guardians facilitate the process.
Read more about "May" and "Shall" state laws

Full Law Text Link to State Law

§18-8-1. Compulsory school attendance; exemptions.

(j) A child is exempt from the compulsory school attendance requirement set forth in §18-8-1a of this code if the requirements of this subsection, relating to church ordinances and observances of regular church ordinances, are met. The county board may approve exemption for religious instruction upon written request of the person having legal or actual charge of a child or children. This exemption is subject to the rules prescribed by the county superintendent and approved by the county board.

What Can My School District Do?

All school districts, regardless of whether they are required by law to allow released time, should implement good policy and be prepared for when a released time program may approach the district. The time to set the policy is before an active program is pressuring the district. Research polices the district can implement to protect teachers' and students' instruction time. Set polices that limit disruptions to students and the ability for proselytization to occur, impacting other students of faith or no faith. A more detailed write-up on school board policies can be read here.

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Schools in the District (26)
School Grades Period
ACADEMY OF CAREERS AND TECHNOLOGY
Beckley Elementary
Beckley-Stratton Middle School
Bradley Elementary School
Clear Fork District Elementary
Coal City Elementary
Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary
Crescent Elementary
Daniels Elementary
Fairdale Elementary School
Ghent Elementary
Hollywood Elementary
Independence High School
Independence Middle School
Liberty High School
Mabscott Elementary
Marsh Fork Elementary
Maxwell Hill Elementary
Park Middle School
Ridgeview Elementary
Shady Spring Elementary
Shady Spring High
Shady Spring Middle School
Stanaford Elementary School
Stratton Elementary
Woodrow Wilson High School
16 schools not shown
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