Schools in Port Townsend, WA

The Port Townsend School District serves approximately 1,277 students across four public schools—one elementary, one middle, one high, and one K-12 alternative school—in this scenic Washington community, with the district ranking in the top third statewide.

Port Townsend High School is the clear standout, ranking among the top 10% of high schools in Washington with a 93% graduation rate and exceptional proficiency in English and science, well above state averages. Salish Coast Elementary shows steady, solid performance, particularly in science and math. In contrast, Blue Heron Middle School faces academic challenges, with proficiency rates below state averages in core subjects despite having the most favorable student-teacher ratio in the district. Ocean, the alternative school, serves a high-need population with the lowest per-student funding.

Overall, the Port Townsend School District shows a notable performance pattern where students excel in elementary school, experience a dip in middle school, and then achieve remarkable success in high school. Science is a particular strength across the traditional schools. Parents should note the significant variation in performance between schools, with the high school being a major asset for the community, while the middle school's results may warrant closer attention from the district.