Welcome to our school's website.  Third Ward Elementary School is located in Elkins, the county seat of Randolph County in the Potomac Highlands Region of West Virginia, and is part of the Randolph County School System. We have an approximate enrollment of 320 students in grades Pre-K through 5  . Third Ward School has been in existence since 1976 and our facility received a total renovation during the 2010-2011 school year.  We are very proud of our school and are student focused with a dynamic staff that works cooperatively to provide our students with an excellent education and a positive school experience.

Our school motto is, “I will try my best and never give up.”  Our Positive Behavior Support program is based around our motto and students are taught expectations at the beginning of the year in "Passport" Stations. They understand and can explain what being their “B.E.S.T.” is in all areas of our school everyday.

All of our classrooms are current with technology.  Classrooms have smartboards, projectors, and document cameras that are used daily during instruction.   Ipads are also used in many classrooms.  We also have laptop mobile labs.  Some of the educational programs that are used for instruction and reinforcement include, but are not limited to:  Accelerated Reader, iReady and Carnegie Math.

Third Ward Elementary School is very proud to have a beautiful, bright library that students may visit and check out books.  We are fortunate to have a retired teacher from our school to act in the capacity of a volunteer school librarian.  She reads to our classrooms on a weekly basis and assist students with selecting and checking out books as well as maintaining our library.  

Our Parent-Teacher Organization is very active and is an integral part of our school.  PTO provides assistance with A.R. and Lu license expenses, basketball, All State Choir, student awards, teacher allowances for classroom supplies, playground improvements, field trips, and school assemblies. PTO also plans a fantastic, fun filled school carnival each year.  We are thankful to have such a dedicated group of parents at our school.

If you would like to visit our school, please feel free to contact the school office at 304 636-9183 to schedule an appointment.  We are, “a school for the children in the community.”

The first building to house Third Ward Elementary School was constructed in 1909 on a hill on Harrison Ave. in Elkins.

The first principal was W.W. Trent, of Barbour County.  He later served as state Superintendent of Schools for a number of years.

In 1940, the first Third Ward School Parent Teachers Association (PTA) was organized with Wilbur Coontz serving as the first president.  The PTA began holding school carnivals as early as 1969.

In the spring of 1971, the foundation of the old Third Ward School building was declared unsafe.  Classes were held in the National Guard Armory for the rest of that school year.  Tests later showed that the school was built on solid rock, so it was still safe.  Parents helped clean up the old school before the students moved back in the following year in the fall.

The new Third Ward Elementary School was built on Nathan Street in 1976-77.  There was a dedication ceremony on October 31, 1976, featuring the Elkins Junior High School Band, under the direction of Howard Kittle; and the Third Ward Elementary School choir, directed by Linda Wagner.  The new school was occupied over the Christmas break in 1976.

Ann Serafin continued as principal for the rest of that school year. The school's new principal in 1977-78 was Barry S. Band who retired at the end of the 2010 school year. Debra Schmidlen became principal for the 2010-2011 school year.  She continued until the end of the 2017 school year when she became Randolph County Schools Assistant Superintendent.  Hollie Pritt, our current principal, became principal for the 2017-2018 school year

The old school building was sold at auction in June 1977.  The building was renovated in the 1980s.  It is now being used as apartments.

The school formed its own Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in 1984, the first of Randolph County Schools to do so.  The PTO is quite active, having well attended monthly meetings, various fundraisers, finding volunteers for TAP (Teachers Assistance Program), and maintaining and improving the school playgrounds.

Third Ward School has undergone a number of changes over the years. Two new rooms were added to the school in 1987 to provide better facilities for the special education classes.  At one point the entire back playground was dug up; trenches, drainpipes and topsoil were added so the field would dry out more quickly after a rain.  The school's first computer lab was formed in about 1999.  The original carpet was removed, and classroom and hallway floors were tiled in the first years of the new millennium.  New playground equipment and an outdoor pavilion were added in 2006, along with a walking track.

Several major events have happened recently in the history of the school. In the spring of the 2008-2009 school year a 100th Birthday Celebration for Third Ward School was held. Past and current students, parents, teachers, and administrators attended as well as community members. The school's choir and band performed under the direction of music teacher Dr. Scott Green.

During the 2011-2012 school year, Third Ward School underwent a "top-to-bottom" $3 million renovation. This renovation included 
installation of a new sprinkler system and fire alarm system, replacement of the HVAC systems, replacement of the lighting systems, upgrades to the electric and data wiring, security, technology and communications systems, replacement of toilet partitions and some plumbing fixtures, replacement of ceiling systems, replacement of floor finishes, painting of walls, and replacement of some doors. Classes continued to be held in the building during the renovation.

During the 2024-25 school year, our student bathrooms have been given a makeover with new flooring and toilets. This was a project funded by our PTO.

Thanks to the renovations, Third Ward Elementary School will continue to be a "School for the Children of the Community" for years to come.

Purpose, Pride, and Perspective in Preparation for Tomorrow’s Leaders

We believe …

• all members of the organization are responsible for increasing academic rigor in order to enhance and improve student growth.

• high expectations for all students, staff, parents, and community result in increased student performance.

• student learning should be focused on the approved Next Generation Content Standards that will prepare students for college or career readiness.

• all members of the organization are responsible for building positive relationships with students, parents, and community members in order to enhance community connections.

We believe that children need outside activities to grow and mature. We encourage them to take part in these and other activities. Information is available in the school office for any and all of the following activities. During the year, we will also announce sign up times for soccer, baseball and other community sports teams.

• Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

• School Choir and Band

• Student Council

• YMCA Basketball Tournament

• Conflict Mediators

• Banana Splits

• Summer Reading Program

• 4H Club

• Good News Club

• After-school Tutoring Program

Our partners provide special support to our school. Each partner has a special role.

• Davis Trust Company  (Provides money for our B.E.S.T. Program)

• Wendy's (Provides money for our summer reading program)

• Cellular One (special projects)

• Steer Steakhouse

• Performance Motors

Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a vital partner. It meets once a month in the Multipurpose Room.  Meetings begin at 6:00 pm.   Check out our school calendar for meeting dates. Mrs. Perske, our music teacher, features a classroom showcase at each of the PTO meetings.