Summary:
In the rural Toledo, WA area (zip code 98591), four public schools within the Toledo School District serve about 900 students from elementary through high school, with all schools serving a significant portion of students from economically disadvantaged families.
Among these schools, Toledo High School stands out as the strongest performer, with an exceptional 92% graduation rate and English scores far above state averages, despite receiving students from lower-performing feeder schools. In contrast, Toledo Middle School is a clear area for concern, ranking in the bottom quarter of state middle schools with particularly low math and science proficiency. Toledo Elementary School shows a recent decline in ranking, and a dramatic drop in math scores between 4th and 5th grade is a notable red flag. The district also includes Cowlitz Prairie Academy, a very small alternative high school serving the area's most economically needy students with significantly lower per-student funding.
Key takeaways for parents include the high school's notable success in graduation and English, which suggests effective support for students. However, the steep decline in middle school performance and the 5th-grade math slump indicate critical points where students may need additional help. The wide variation in resources between schools, especially for the alternative high school, is also noteworthy. Overall, while the high school excels, the district faces challenges in maintaining consistent academic performance through the middle grades.
Thank you for your feedback!