Potlatch Junior/Senior High School

Potlatch Junior/Senior High School is a small rural public school in Potlatch, Idaho, serving 209 students in grades 7 through 12 within the Potlatch District. The school has climbed dramatically in state rankings—from the 8th percentile in 2022-2023 to the 65th percentile (3 stars) in 2025-2026—placing it in the upper half of Idaho high schools. This improvement is notable, though the district itself ranks 61st out of 101 districts statewide, well behind neighboring Troy School District (6th) and Moscow District (11th).

The most striking pattern is the gap between middle and high school performance. On 2025-2026 state tests, Potlatch's 7th and 8th graders scored 10-15 points below state averages in math, science, and English. Yet high school students taking End-of-Course exams beat state averages in all three subjects—including 65.2% proficiency in ELA versus 61.3% statewide. This pattern suggests the school is effective at boosting students once they reach high school, but the middle school foundation needs attention. Compared to nearby Troy Junior/Senior High School—a school with nearly identical size and poverty levels—Potlatch trails significantly (35.4% vs. 51.9% math proficiency). Moscow High School similarly outperforms on most measures, though it serves a smaller share of low-income students.

Chronic absenteeism is a concern: 16.9% of students missed 10% or more of school days in 2025-2026, down from a spike of 25.4% the prior year but still above the state average. The share of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch has risen from 20% to 33.5% in three years. On a positive note, Potlatch's graduation rate has been consistently strong—roughly 93-100% in recent years. With a 14.5 student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending of about $12,087, the school has reasonable resources. Parents should watch whether the school can close the middle-school gap while sustaining its high-school success.