Washington Connections Academy Goldendale

Washington Connections Academy Goldendale is a very large K–12 alternative school serving 2,121 students in Lacey, although it is associated with the geographically distant Goldendale School District. Its virtual or geographically dispersed model means comparisons with small, campus-based programs should be viewed cautiously. The district ranks 197th of 238 Washington districts, at the 17th percentile statewide, and has a one-star rating.

Academically, the school’s results are mixed relative to its district but below Washington averages. In 2025–2026, proficiency was 37.47% in English language arts, 17.14% in math, and 41.55% in science. ELA and science were slightly above district results, while math was below the district and was the clearest weakness. Results in all three subjects have declined from recent highs, with math remaining especially low across grades 5–10. Science is the strongest relative subject. Compared with nearby alternatives, the school ranked second in each reported subject, behind Olympia Regional Learning Academy, whose proficiency rates were much higher. Results were closer to those at Summit Virtual Academy, another virtual program.

The 2024–2025 graduation rate was 75.3%, higher than Summit Virtual Academy’s 65.3% and Olympia Regional Learning Academy’s 68.5%, but below the district’s 84.0% and the state’s 82.6%. Earlier school dropout rates were elevated—13.3% in 2022–2023 and above 20% in the two preceding years—although the latest school-specific dropout rate is unavailable. The school reports a 28.8-to-1 student-teacher ratio and $9,904 in per-student spending, lower than most nearby comparison schools. For parents, the main questions are how the school supports math improvement, individualized help, and keeping students engaged through graduation.