Summary:
ZIP code 98274 includes five schools serving grades K–12 across three districts, with about 1,813 students in elementary, middle, and alternative-school programs, but no traditional high school. The schools are Conway School District 317 (K–8), Big Lake Elementary School (K–6), Little Mountain Elementary (K–5), Mount Baker Middle School (grades 6–8), and Aspire Academy (K–12 alternative).
Conway School District 317 is the clear academic leader. Its 2025–26 proficiency rates—56.73% in English, 57.82% in math, and 65.12% in science—are all above Washington averages, and its ranking has improved steadily to the 78th percentile. Big Lake Elementary School is the next strongest overall and performs above the Sedro-Woolley School District average in all three subjects. However, Big Lake’s scores and ranking have declined recently, especially in math and science. Little Mountain Elementary remains below state averages but has shown gradual improvement in its school ranking.
Mount Baker Middle School is the largest school but has the weakest reported results, with 21.56% proficiency in English, 16.29% in math, and 12.43% in science. Its performance is well below the averages for the Mount Vernon School District and the state, making middle-grade support an important concern. Aspire Academy should be evaluated differently because it is an alternative school; its graduation rate is below state and district rates, while its dropout rate is slightly better. Overall, parents seeking the strongest current academic results should look first at Conway, while Big Lake merits consideration with attention to its recent decline. Families comparing schools should also review student growth, attendance, services, and school fit rather than relying on rankings alone.
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