Summary:
The city of Burien, Washington is home to 11 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 3 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The schools in this area show a wide range of academic performance, with some standout schools like Shorewood Elementary and Gregory Heights Elementary performing significantly better than others on state assessments. However, the Highline School District as a whole is ranked 198th out of 249 districts in Washington, indicating room for improvement across the system.
The data reveals significant disparities in academic performance between the highest and lowest performing schools. For example, 5th grade English Language Arts proficiency ranges from just 15.49% at Hazel Valley Elementary to 57.33% at Shorewood Elementary. The alternative and virtual schools in the district also struggle, with low graduation rates, high dropout rates, and lower test scores compared to the traditional schools.
There appears to be a correlation between student demographics, such as free/reduced lunch rates, and academic performance, with higher-poverty schools generally underperforming. Additionally, per-student spending varies widely, from under $16,000 at the Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy to over $22,000 at the Big Picture School, suggesting potential inequities in resource distribution. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equitable access to resources will be critical for improving outcomes for all students in the Burien school system.
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