Summary:
Othello School District serves about 4,391 students in seven schools covering elementary, middle, and high school grades in the Othello area. The district includes four elementary schools, one middle school, two high-school programs, and a largely economically disadvantaged student population. Overall, schools rank below most Washington districts, but performance varies considerably by grade level and subject.
The elementary schools are generally the district’s strongest academic area. Wahitis Elementary School posted the highest 2025–2026 results in all three subjects, with 42.18% proficiency in English language arts, 40.71% in math, and 36.78% in science. Scootney Springs Elementary had the greatest ranking improvement, rising from the 13th to the 46th percentile over three years, while also exceeding district averages in ELA and math. Lutacaga Elementary also improved substantially in ranking and gained in all three tested subjects. Hiawatha Elementary School had the lowest elementary ELA and science results, although its math performance was similar to Lutacaga’s.
Secondary math and districtwide science are the clearest concerns. McFarland Middle School recorded 22.08% math proficiency, and Othello High School recorded just 10.46%, well below the state’s 43.11%. Othello High nevertheless had a strong 90% graduation rate and a lower dropout rate than both the district and state. Open Door Re-Engagement serves only 20 students in a specialized program, so its 26% graduation rate is not directly comparable. Parents comparing schools should consider both test performance and broader outcomes: the district shows encouraging elementary improvement and strong high-school completion, alongside important needs in secondary math, science, and sustained academic growth.
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