Cabell County Schools experienced a period of change in the mid-2000s. In 2005 the Superintendent of Schools was replaced when his contract was bought out. The high school drop-out rate was 20 percent in 2003, up from an already-high 13 percent a decade earlier. However, new policies in the district are expected to create improvements. The county has a higher than national average percentage of children in pre-kindergarten programs. Elementary schools in the district have adopted a "balanced literacy" system with co-teachers in class that has over 80 percent of students reading at or above grade level. New curriculum standards were also recently put in place. Before-school enrichment classes are available at many schools, and in most schools, students meet or exceed standards on the SAT tests.
The following is a summary of data regarding Cabell County's public schools as of the 2004–2005 school year.
Total enrollment: 12,294
Number of facilities
elementary schools: 20
middle schools: 6
senior high schools: 2
other: 2
Student/teacher ratio: 14.5:1
Teacher salaries
average: $38,240
Funding per pupil: $7,795 (2002–2003)
Seven private and parochial schools serve Huntington and Cabell County.
Public Schools Information: Cabell County Schools, 2850 Fifth Avenue, Huntington, WV 25702; telephone (304)528-5000; fax (304)528-5080
Huntington is home to three colleges and universities. Marshall University (MU) is the area's largest university, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of "America's Best Buys" in education. With enrollment at 17,000 students, it offers degree programs in business, education, journalism, medicine and health sciences, information and engineering, and the performing and fine arts.
Affiliated with MU is the Marshall Community and Technical College, a two-year institute offering associates degrees in allied health, business, information and manufacturing technologies, and its unique Railroad Conductor Training Program. Huntington Junior College is located in the downtown area and offers seven associates degree programs in the business and health professions.
The Cabell County Public Library system operates a main library in Huntington and seven branches in neighboring towns. Over 100 years old, it was the first library system in the state to have a computerized catalog and circulation system. The main branch is home to a local history and genealogy room, and three social services agencies: The Tri-State Literacy Council, the Adult Learning Center, and the Information and Referral Services.
Marshall University has several prominent research centers. The Center for Business and Economic Research investigates promoting regional economic growth. The Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences researches environmental management and technology using geo-science. The Robert C. Byrd Center for Rural Health Resources runs rural health programs across the state, and the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence focuses on cancer research.
Public Library Information: Cabell County Public Library; 455 9th Street Plaza, Huntington, WV 25701; telephone (304)528-5700