Curtis Junior High

Summary:

Curtis Junior High is a public secondary school located in University Place, Washington, serving grades 8-9 with a total enrollment of 911 students. The school is part of the University Place School District, which is ranked 14th out of 247 districts in the state and has a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Curtis Junior High consistently outperforms the state average in standardized test scores across English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Science. In the 2023-2024 school year, 68.18% of students were proficient or better in ELA, compared to the state average of 52.63%, and 42.78% were proficient or better in Math, compared to the state average of 41.68%. The school's diverse student population, with 44.35% White, 11.09% African American, 16.47% Hispanic, 9.44% Asian, and 16.36% two or more races, is higher than the nearby Columbia Junior High School. Additionally, Curtis Junior High has seen a significant increase in spending per student, from $9,655 in 2019-2020 to $14,495 in 2021-2022, which is higher than the $15,593 spent per student at Columbia Junior High School in 2021-2022.

The analysis of Curtis Junior High reveals a school that is performing well academically, with a diverse student population and increasing financial investment. The school's strong test scores, particularly in comparison to the state and nearby schools, suggest that it is effectively supporting student learning and achievement. This is an interesting contrast to the nearby Columbia Junior High School, which lags behind both the state and Curtis Junior High in academic metrics, highlighting the importance of considering the broader context when evaluating school performance.


Detail:

Public, Alternative 8-9

 3725 Grandview Drive West
       University Place, WA  98466


(253) 566-5670

District: University Place School District

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,495 Help


Student/teacher ratio:  22.9 Help
Number of students:  891

Racial breakdown:

White:
44.9%
Hispanic:
16.3%
Two or more races:
16.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  42.8% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Curtis Junior High ranks better than 81.3% of middle schools in Washington. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 77.8. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Curtis Junior High is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (44.9%), Hispanic (16.3%), two or more races (16.2%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 42.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Curtis Junior High is 22.9. (See more...)
Help
Compare Curtis Junior High employs 38.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Curtis Junior High is $14,495.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Curtis Junior High:

SchoolDigger ranks Curtis Junior High 100th of 535 Washington public middle schools. (See Curtis Junior High in the ranking list.)

Middle School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


University Place School District:

SchoolDigger ranks University Place School District 14th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Curtis Junior High?

Rank History for Curtis Junior High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 60.16 162nd 449 63.9%
2007 66.67 123rd 463 73.4%
2008 65.83 134th 466 71.2%
2009 58.74 185th 476 61.1%
2010 56.98 204th 483 57.8%
2011 57.01 207th 492 57.9%
2012 76.85 83rd 497 83.3%
2013 71.09 122nd 498 75.5%
2015 74.02 93rd 445 79.1%
2016 77.72 82nd 443 81.5%
2017 78.45 85th 435 80.5%
2018 87.24 50th 437 88.6%
2019 87.12 55th 512 89.3%
2022 70.26 135th 541 75.0%
2023 73.65 125th 539 76.8%
2024 77.80 100th 535 81.3%
See the entire list of Washington Alternative School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 76.25 40th 166 75.9%
2019 84.66 30th 246 87.8%
2022 68.76 68th 257 73.5%
2023 65.36 75th 244 69.3%
2024 65.24 75th 243 69.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.44 15th 135 88.9%
2019 57.70 25th 100 75.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 56.03 77th 268 71.3%
2019 42.98 94th 231 59.3%
2022 45.50 86th 199 56.8%
2024 60.36 58th 179 67.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.69 9th 349 97.4%
2019 90.63 11th 448 97.5%
2022 86.84 28th 475 94.1%
2023 79.76 43rd 463 90.7%
2024 82.31 46th 455 89.9%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.61 39th 376 89.6%
2019 84.69 53rd 452 88.3%
2022 66.03 135th 479 71.8%
2023 70.28 122nd 464 73.7%
2024 78.49 90th 464 80.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 93.19 2nd 50 96.0%
2022 75.09 8th 51 84.3%
2023 72.49 5th 40 87.5%
2024 93.64 1st 46 97.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 84.99 54th 371 85.4%
2019 87.64 48th 453 89.4%
2022 74.58 106th 480 77.9%
2023 74.78 105th 470 77.7%
2024 77.69 88th 466 81.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.36 31st 123 74.8%
2019 88.42 14th 152 90.8%
2022 85.94 17th 161 89.4%
2023 64.04 51st 145 64.8%
2024 62.57 52nd 148 64.9%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 81.79 10th 111 91.0%
2022 76.91 15th 104 85.6%
2023 75.25 22nd 96 77.1%
2024 48.59 41st 90 54.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.16 8th 259 96.9%
2019 89.48 23rd 344 93.3%
2022 75.39 58th 360 83.9%
2023 72.41 73rd 336 78.3%
2024 81.32 43rd 344 87.5%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Curtis Junior High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Middle Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.83 34th 325 89.5%
2019 89.23 33rd 470 93.0%
2022 61.93 157th 488 67.8%
2023 76.04 99th 488 79.7%
2024 85.83 58th 486 88.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Alternative Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Curtis Junior High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 




Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Monday, May 25, 2015

Open Quote Curtis Junior High School has a great and highly supported performing arts program. I am always entertained when I see productions and/or concerts. In 2014 the Algebra I scores were 92% proficient and the Geometry scores were 93% proficient. CJH embraces student creativity with a perfect balance of discipline and fun factor. School has a variety of after school activities and sports to choose from. As a 9th grader you have the opportunity to be apart of the CJH and the CHS environment. The principal's are very involved in making the school a positive learning environment. There is many opportunities to give back working through builders club. The teachers are concerned with students well being and are continually striving to preform better than before. Their honors courses are perfect ways to prepare your student with a Pre- AP (Advanced Placement) course. Overall I love my school! It is fun, the dances are great, no a lot of drama, and a stable learning environment with the newest learning technologies. At Curtis I know i'm being cared for and respected for being an individual. I know it may sound SUPER cliche but I really do love my school and wouldn't want to go anywhere else (Except maybe Sumner cause of the cute boys) but Curtis is for me. Thank you to Ben Zielke (Asst. Principal), Mailie Carr (Asst. Principal), Patricia Bieber (Best Geology, Physics, and Chemistry teacher ever), Shelly Reed (for the great library resources and Builders Club), Erik Evan (excellence in U.S. History and World History), and finally Mrs.Sylvie Hillsberg for always making me feel like i'm wanted and that my talent is appreciated and for never giving up and ALWAYS giving second chances. Mrs.Hillsberg is definitely the best Choir teacher/ Musical Theater Director/ Talent Show adviser I've ever had! Thank you CJH and go Cougs!! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Curtis Junior High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 780 61 61 13 4 n/a n/a 0 919
1989 777 61 59 18 7 n/a n/a 0 922
1990 805 80 55 22 6 n/a n/a 0 968
1991 572 59 49 15 4 n/a n/a 0 699
1992 633 84 59 19 4 n/a n/a 0 799
1993 630 98 69 17 5 n/a n/a 0 819
1994 650 108 80 19 4 n/a n/a 0 861
1995 624 105 106 27 4 n/a n/a 0 866
1996 624 105 106 27 4 n/a n/a 0 866
1997 675 118 111 25 4 n/a n/a 0 933
1998 631 127 111 40 4 n/a n/a 0 913
1999 631 133 120 35 8 n/a n/a 0 927
2000 642 115 110 22 10 n/a n/a 0 899
2001 635 136 111 27 10 n/a n/a 0 919
2002 639 129 125 37 8 n/a n/a 0 938
2003 639 129 125 37 8 n/a n/a 0 938
2004 656 135 137 36 7 n/a n/a 0 971
2005 684 118 123 46 6 n/a n/a 0 977
2006 661 143 144 52 8 n/a n/a 0 1008
2007 648 171 139 56 9 n/a n/a 0 1023
2008 595 165 132 51 12 n/a n/a 13 968
2009 618 153 129 54 15 n/a n/a 19 988
2010 659 167 121 57 11 n/a n/a 0 1015
2011 555 116 102 103 5 3 132 0 1016
2012 547 90 113 109 7 8 129 0 1003
2013 555 95 125 101 10 12 114 0 1012
2014 546 100 94 104 8 9 145 0 1006
2015 521 92 94 117 7 13 159 0 1003
2016 477 100 124 109 6 9 157 0 982
2017 470 86 107 124 6 6 147 0 946
2018 484 82 91 140 4 10 155 0 966
2019 454 93 101 162 7 12 152 0 981
2020 425 89 87 153 6 11 135 0 906
2021 421 73 82 142 3 3 156 0 880
2022 388 83 87 153 6 14 141 3 875
2023 404 101 86 150 3 16 149 2 911
2024 400 100 87 145 3 9 144 3 891

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Curtis Junior High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 919 47.0 19.5 0
1989 922 49.0 18.8 n/a
1990 968 49.2 19.6 0
1991 699 38.1 18.3 n/a
1992 799 41.9 19.0 n/a
1993 819 42.0 19.5 n/a
1994 861 42.7 20.2 n/a
1995 866 47.2 18.3 n/a
1996 866 47.2 18.3 n/a
1997 933 46.4 20.1 n/a
1998 913 44.9 20.3 n/a
1999 927 45.7 20.3 n/a
2000 899 44.8 20.1 n/a
2001 919 44.4 20.7 n/a
2002 938 49.2 19.1 24.5
2003 938 49.2 19.1 24.5
2004 971 46.0 21.1 22.2
2005 977 46.2 21.1 25.4
2006 1008 46.9 21.5 21.8
2007 1023 47.1 21.7 24.6
2008 968 44.7 21.7 24.5
2009 988 44.6 22.2 26.7
2010 1015 41.5 24.4 29.7
2011 1016 44.6 22.7 34.5
2012 1003 41.9 23.8 37.7
2013 1012 45.5 22.2 36
2014 1006 n/a n/a 39.8
2015 1003 45.0 22.2 39.6
2016 982 44.0 22.3 37.6
2017 946 41.4 22.8 35.5
2018 966 44.1 21.8 35.9
2019 981 42.5 23.0 34.9
2020 906 42.4 21.3 35.3
2021 880 39.5 22.2 34.5
2022 875 42.2 20.7 35.4
2023 911 41.2 22.1 42.7
2024 891 38.8 22.9 42.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Curtis Junior High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 919 47.0 19.5 0
1989 922 49.0 18.8 n/a
1990 968 49.2 19.6 0
1991 699 38.1 18.3 n/a
1992 799 41.9 19.0 n/a
1993 819 42.0 19.5 n/a
1994 861 42.7 20.2 n/a
1995 866 47.2 18.3 n/a
1996 866 47.2 18.3 n/a
1997 933 46.4 20.1 n/a
1998 913 44.9 20.3 n/a
1999 927 45.7 20.3 n/a
2000 899 44.8 20.1 n/a
2001 919 44.4 20.7 n/a
2002 938 49.2 19.1 24.5
2003 938 49.2 19.1 24.5
2004 971 46.0 21.1 22.2
2005 977 46.2 21.1 25.4
2006 1008 46.9 21.5 21.8
2007 1023 47.1 21.7 24.6
2008 968 44.7 21.7 24.5
2009 988 44.6 22.2 26.7
2010 1015 41.5 24.4 29.7
2011 1016 44.6 22.7 34.5
2012 1003 41.9 23.8 37.7
2013 1012 45.5 22.2 36
2014 1006 n/a n/a 39.8
2015 1003 45.0 22.2 39.6
2016 982 44.0 22.3 37.6
2017 946 41.4 22.8 35.5
2018 966 44.1 21.8 35.9
2019 981 42.5 23.0 34.9
2020 906 42.4 21.3 35.3
2021 880 39.5 22.2 34.5
2022 875 42.2 20.7 35.4
2023 911 41.2 22.1 42.7
2024 891 38.8 22.9 42.8

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates

Curtis Junior High

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201995.0%0.5%1.6%2.3%97.0%97.2%97.7%97.3%97.7%97.3%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Curtis Junior High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $231 (1.9%) $11,929 (98.1%) $12,160
2020 $575 (6.0%) $9,080 (94.0%) $9,655
2021 $356 (2.7%) $12,758 (97.3%) $13,114
2022 $1,084 (7.5%) $13,411 (92.5%) $14,495

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Curtis Junior High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 55th of 512 Middle schoolsRanks 125th of 539 Middle schools
 12.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
8th Grade English Language Arts (Curtis Junior High)78.163.9
 14.2%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (University Place School District)78.163.9
 14.2%
   8th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)59.651.3
 8.3%
8th Grade Math (Curtis Junior High)64.942.7
 22.1%
   8th Grade Math (University Place School District)64.942.7
 22.1%
   8th Grade Math (Washington)47.234.4
 12.8%
8th Grade Science (Curtis Junior High)70.856.9
 13.9%
   8th Grade Science (University Place School District)70.856.9
 13.9%
   8th Grade Science (Washington)53.143.9
 9.3%
All Grades English Language Arts (Curtis Junior High)78.163.9
 14.2%
   All Grades English Language Arts (University Place School District)7769.2
 7.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Curtis Junior High)64.942.7
 22.1%
   All Grades Math (University Place School District)69.859.1
 10.7%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Curtis Junior High)70.856.9
 13.9%
   All Grades Science (University Place School District)69.257.2
 12%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students981911
 7.1%
African American93101
 8.6%
American Indian73
 57.1%
Asian10186
 14.9%
Hispanic162150
 7.4%
Pacific Islander1216
 33.3%
White454404
 11%
Two or More Races152149
 2%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients34.9%42.7%
 7.8%


Schools Near Curtis Junior High









Frequently Asked Questions about Curtis Junior High

In the 2023-24 school year, 891 students attended Curtis Junior High.

Students at Curtis Junior High are 45% White, 16% Hispanic, 16% Two or more races, 11% African American, 10% Asian, 1% Pacific Islander.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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