Summary:
Zip code 98240, serving the Custer, Washington area, contains one public elementary school, Custer Elementary, which educates about 392 students from kindergarten through 5th grade within the Ferndale School District.
Custer Elementary shows clear academic strengths in certain areas, particularly in mathematics and science. In the 2024-2025 school year, the school's math proficiency rate was higher than both the district and state averages, and its science scores were also strong. However, performance in English Language Arts is a notable area for improvement, as it lags behind state benchmarks. An interesting pattern across grade levels shows student achievement peaking in 4th grade before declining in 5th grade, which may suggest a need for additional support during that transition.
The school serves a community with moderate economic need, with over half of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Despite a recent drop in its statewide ranking, the school's per-student spending is substantial. Within the context of the broader Ferndale School District, which is ranked in the lower third statewide, Custer Elementary performs relatively well, especially in math and science. For parents, this indicates a school with specific subject-area successes but also clear opportunities for growth in reading and writing skills.
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