Best Public Schools in Spokane, WA

Spokane, Washington, serves a diverse student population across 92 public schools, including 52 elementary, 14 middle, 22 high, and 4 alternative schools, managed by districts like the large Spokane School District and the high-performing Mead School District.

Academic performance varies significantly across the city, with standout schools like the gifted Libby Center achieving near-perfect test scores, and Mead Senior High School and Lewis & Clark High School leading at the secondary level. In contrast, schools such as Logan Elementary and Shaw Middle School face considerable academic challenges. A strong correlation exists between socioeconomic factors, measured by free/reduced lunch rates, and test scores, with higher-poverty schools generally struggling more, though some like On Track Academy maintain excellent graduation rates.

Key takeaways include a persistent math proficiency gap behind English scores, the success of specialized programs like the Ruben Trejo Dual Language Academy, and the fact that higher per-student spending does not automatically guarantee better outcomes. The Mead School District consistently outperforms others academically, while several middle schools, including Sacajawea Middle School, serve as pockets of excellence within their districts.