Best High Schools in Spokane, WA

This analysis examines 22 high schools serving grades 9-12 (with some exceptions like the 6-12 North Central High School) in Spokane, Washington, revealing a district with notable strengths in graduation rates but significant challenges in mathematics proficiency.

Parents will find a mix of high-performing and struggling schools. Top academic performers include Mead Senior High School in the Mead School District and Lewis & Clark High School in the Spokane School District, both boasting high state rankings, strong graduation rates, and above-average test scores, with Lewis & Clark excelling particularly in science. In contrast, schools like Rogers High School and Dishman Hills High School face substantial academic challenges, with very low math proficiency and lower state rankings.

A key takeaway is the widespread math achievement gap; most Spokane high schools fall below the state average, with only Mead and North Central approaching it. There is also a puzzling disconnect at some schools between high graduation rates and low test scores, suggesting academic success is measured in different ways. The district includes many small alternative schools, like Lumen High School, which often have much higher per-student spending but show mixed results, indicating resources do not always directly correlate with outcomes.