Best Middle Schools in Zip Code 98626

In the 98626 zip code of Kelso, Washington, there are two public middle schools, Huntington Middle School and Coweeman Middle School, both serving grades 6-8 within the Kelso School District and having similar enrollments and student demographics.

When comparing the two, Coweeman Middle School stands out as the stronger academic performer, with significantly higher proficiency rates in English, math, and science. It has shown impressive improvement, moving into the top half of Washington middle schools, while Huntington Middle School has seen a recent decline in its statewide ranking. Both schools serve a high-needs population, with over 60% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, making Coweeman's above-average performance within the district particularly notable.

Overall, while both schools face economic challenges and perform below state averages, Coweeman Middle School demonstrates a positive trajectory and stronger academic outcomes. The notable 12-point gap in science proficiency between the two schools suggests potential differences in instructional approaches. Parents should note that despite similar funding and class sizes, the schools are on diverging paths, with Coweeman currently representing the higher-performing option in the area.