Best Public Schools in Port Orchard, WA

The city of Port Orchard, Washington is home to 16 schools that serve students from elementary through high school, all part of the South Kitsap School District. While the district is ranked 108 out of 247 in the state, several standout schools within the district are consistently high-performing, including Mullenix Ridge Elementary School, South Colby Elementary, and Olalla Elementary School, all of which have earned 4-star ratings from SchoolDigger.

The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance across the schools, with some institutions like John Sedgwick Middle School ranking in the top 25% of Washington middle schools, while others struggle to meet state averages. This trend appears to correlate with socioeconomic factors, as schools with higher free and reduced lunch rates, such as East Port Orchard Elementary and Discovery, tend to have lower academic performance.

The district also offers alternative education options, including Explorer Academy, which provides important opportunities for students who may not thrive in a traditional school setting. However, the lower graduation rates and higher dropout rates at this school suggest the need for further evaluation and improvement of alternative education programs within the South Kitsap School District.