Kelso Virtual Academy

Kelso Virtual Academy is a K–12 alternative school in Kelso, Washington, serving 216 students through the Kelso School District. As a virtual program, it may be a useful option for students who need a different pace, setting, or pathway than a traditional neighborhood school. Its enrollment is much larger than nearby alternative programs, including Lewis River Academy with 43 students and Castle Rock Virtual Academy with 13.

The school’s graduation results are one of its stronger features. In 2024–25, 85.0% of students graduated, above Washington’s 82.6% state rate but below the Kelso School District rate of 89.5%. The school-specific dropout rate also improved dramatically, falling from more than 45% in 2015–16 and 2016–17 to 5.2% in 2020–21; more recent dropout figures were supplied only for the district and state. These results suggest the program may help many students remain engaged and complete high school. However, families should note that graduation success does not necessarily mean students are performing at grade level in every subject.

Academic performance is mixed, with math the clearest concern. In 2025–26, proficiency was 29.49% in English language arts, 12.16% in math, and 50.00% in science. Science was close to the state rate and above the district, while ELA and especially math were well below both. Lewis River Academy outperformed the school in all three subjects—51.28% in ELA, 27.03% in math, and 55.56% in science—but it serves far fewer students and is located in the higher-ranked Woodland School District. Kelso Virtual Academy also serves a higher-need student population than Lewis River, an important context when comparing results. Overall, the school’s main priorities appear to be strengthening math and ELA instruction while preserving its positive graduation and science trends.