Summary:
ZIP code 98579 includes five schools serving about 2,175 students from prekindergarten through grade 12 in the Rochester School District. The schools range from the 37-student H.e.a.r.t. High School to the 608-student Rochester High School, with elementary, middle, and high school options available locally. Overall, the district ranks in the 72nd percentile statewide, and the three schools with current rankings improved their positions in the latest year.
Rochester High School is the strongest overall performer, ranking in the 67th percentile statewide. It has an 88.5% graduation rate, lower dropout rate than both the district and state, and particularly strong English results. Math remains a concern, although math proficiency increased by more than 16 percentage points in the latest year. Rochester Middle School also ranks in the 67th percentile and shows broad academic improvement, with especially strong science results and gains in all three tested subjects. Grand Mound Elementary ranks near the middle statewide and performs best in math, but its English results—especially in third grade—are an area for added attention. Its English scores improve substantially from third through fifth grade.
Rochester Primary School serves prekindergarten through second grade and has the lowest student-teacher ratio and highest per-student spending, though no testing or ranking data are reported. H.e.a.r.t. High School reports a much lower graduation rate and higher dropout rate than the district and state, but its very small enrollment and specialized setting make direct comparisons difficult. Across the area, science is a relative strength, while math is the most consistent academic challenge. Parents may also want to consider school size, grade span, staffing, and each school’s specific support programs when comparing options.
Thank you for your feedback!