High Schools in Yakima School District

The Yakima School District operates seven public high schools serving grades 9-12, including two large traditional schools, an online program, and several smaller alternative options, all serving a community with high economic need.

For families seeking a traditional high school experience, Davis High School and Eisenhower High School are the district's primary and strongest performers, together educating about 85% of high school students. Both schools achieve graduation rates above the state average, with Davis having the highest rate (91.4%) and lowest dropout rate in the district. They also lead in academic proficiency, particularly in English and Science, though math scores are low across all schools. The remaining five schools are much smaller alternative programs, which show dramatically different outcomes, with graduation rates ranging from moderately low to critically low.

The data reveals a clear divide: the traditional comprehensive schools perform reasonably well given the high poverty rates they serve, while the alternative programs, which include Yakima Open Doors, Stanton Academy, and the online program, struggle significantly with graduation and dropout rates despite often having higher per-student spending. Parents should note that math proficiency is a major challenge district-wide, with no high school exceeding 15% proficiency. The district's overall low state ranking is influenced by the severe struggles of its alternative programs, which serve the most vulnerable students.