Grand Coulee Dam School District

The Grand Coulee Dam School District in Washington consists of three public schools—an elementary, a junior/senior high, and an alternative high school—serving about 695 students in a high-need community where most students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academically, the district faces significant challenges, with proficiency rates in English, math, and science roughly half the state averages; Lake Roosevelt Elementary has the strongest science scores, while Lake Roosevelt Junior/Senior High School leads in English. However, a standout positive is the comprehensive high school's 90% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average, suggesting effective support for students to complete their diplomas despite academic struggles.

Resource allocation varies dramatically between schools: the comprehensive high school spends over $22,000 per student, while the Lake Roosevelt Alternative School spends just over $7,000 and has a very high student-to-teacher ratio, despite serving the population with the greatest economic need. Parents should note that all district schools are ranked in the bottom percentiles statewide, indicating consistent academic difficulties, but the strong graduation rate at the main high school is a notable strength.