Best High Schools in Zip Code 99021

This analysis covers two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in the Mead area of Washington (zip code 99021), both operating within the Mead School District, a highly-rated district in the 79th percentile statewide.

Mt Spokane High School is the primary comprehensive high school, with an enrollment of nearly 1,500 students, a 4-star rating, and a strong 92.1% graduation rate that exceeds both district and state averages. It shows particular academic strength in English Language Arts, where 77% of students are proficient. The smaller Mead Open Doors is a specialized alternative program with only 9 students in grades 11-12, functioning with a very different, low-cost educational model.

Comparing the two, Mt Spokane High School demonstrates consistent improvement, rising in statewide rankings, and performs well across most key metrics despite over a third of its students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The school's mathematics proficiency, while above the state average, is an area for potential growth relative to its own district. The significant disparity in per-student spending between the two schools reflects their distinct purposes—one as a traditional, resource-intensive high school and the other as a minimal-cost alternative program. Parents can be confident that the area is served by a strong district with a high-performing traditional high school and an alternative option for specialized needs.