CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA) has been named one of the state’s Top 25 public high schools, earning the No. 22 spot in Niche’s 2027 Best Public High Schools in West Virginia rankings. WVVA, a K12-powered online school, is the only public charter school and the only fully online school to appear in the Top 25, marking a significant milestone for the tuition-free school serving students across the Mountain State.
The rankings, recently featured in a statewide report by Stacker, recognize public high schools based on academic performance and other measures of school quality. Niche’s methodology places significant emphasis on academics, which account for 60 percent of the overall ranking, while also considering teacher quality, school culture, student and parent satisfaction, extracurricular opportunities and resources.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for our students, families and educators, and it demonstrates that quality public education doesn’t have to be confined to a traditional classroom,” said Doug Cipoletti, executive director of WVVA. “We’re especially proud to be the only virtual public charter school recognized among West Virginia’s Top 25. It reinforces our commitment to providing students with a strong academic foundation, personalized support and opportunities to prepare for life beyond graduation, regardless of where they live.”
As a tuition-free public charter school serving grades K–12, WVVA offers West Virginia families a flexible alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar education. Through live instruction from West Virginia-certified teachers, individualized academic support and a statewide virtual learning environment, the school works to meet the diverse educational needs of students and families in all 55 counties.
Beyond traditional academics, WVVA has developed innovative programs designed to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities. Through its TechBridge Career Program, eligible high school students can combine online coursework with hands-on training at participating career and technical education centers. The school also offers dual-credit and dual-enrollment opportunities through Pierpont Community & Technical College, allowing eligible students to earn college credits while completing high school.
The High School Success Zone at WVVA further enhances the student experience by offering an interactive virtual environment where students can connect with classmates and teachers, explore college and career pathways, and access resources to help plan their futures.
The recognition follows another milestone for the growing school. In 2026, WVVA celebrated its second graduating class, recognizing 140 graduates from across West Virginia, including eight students who qualified for the state’s PROMISE Scholarship.
“Every student learns differently, and every family deserves access to an educational environment that meets their needs,” Cipoletti added. “This ranking is an important recognition of the work our teachers and students are doing every day, but it also reflects something bigger: West Virginia families have more opportunities than ever to choose a public education that fits their children and prepares them for success.”
For more information about West Virginia Virtual Academy, its academic programs and enrollment opportunities, visit wvva.k12.com.
