Upshur County is a small, rural county located in north central West Virginia. The population has remained stable at approximately 23,000 over the past several decades. Buckhannon is a community with a population of about 6,500 that is home to West Virginia Wesleyan College, which provides both educational and cultural offerings to Upshur County which are not available to many small communities. The county seat, Buckhannon is the only municipality in Upshur County.

The Mission of the Upshur County Schools is to provide a quality education through a safe, student-centered learning environment in a respectful, caring atmosphere. It is the mutual responsibility of students, staff, parents, and other community members to be committed to and accountable for student mastery of essential which will lead to success. The curriculum for pre-K to 12 is predicated on this philosophy and the basic belief that all students can learn and must acquire a basic academic background which will provide them with skills in reading, communications and mathematics.

The school system serves approximately 3,750 students in grades pre-K to 12. One four year high school serves all students in grades 9-12. One middle school serves all sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the county. Eight strategically located elementary schools serve all areas of the county for students K-5.

Characterizing the school system is a spirit of cooperation among teachers, administrators, board of education members, service and auxiliary personnel and members of the community. This team approach has traditionally created an atmosphere which best serves the students.