Best Public Schools in Pasco, WA

The Pasco, Washington school district consists of 27 schools, including 19 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 4 high schools. The district serves a diverse student population, with some schools having over 90% Hispanic enrollment and others being majority white. Academic performance varies widely, with standout schools like Ruth Livingston Elementary and Edwin Markham Elementary consistently ranking among the top in the state, while larger high schools like Chiawana Senior High School and Pasco Senior High School struggle academically.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic achievement across the district, with a clear correlation between poverty levels (as measured by free/reduced lunch rates) and lower performance. Schools with the highest rates of students in poverty, such as Robert Frost Elementary and Virgie Robinson Elementary, tend to have the lowest proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. In contrast, the district's magnet and STEM-focused elementary schools, like Barbara McClintock STEM Elementary and Rosalind Franklin STEM Elementary, appear to be outperforming their peers.

The data also highlights the challenges faced by the district's alternative high school, New Horizons High School, which has very low graduation rates and high dropout rates. This suggests that more support may be needed for the district's most vulnerable students. Overall, the Pasco school district data reveals a complex landscape with both high-performing and struggling schools, underscoring the need to address systemic inequities and support the highest-need students and schools within the Pasco School District.