Summary:
Zip code 99116 in Coulee Dam, WA, is served by two public schools within the Grand Coulee Dam School District: Lake Roosevelt Elementary (PK-6) and Lake Roosevelt Junior/Senior High School (7-12), which together educate about 660 students in a small, rural community facing significant economic challenges.
Comparing the two schools reveals a notable contrast: the high school stands out for its exceptionally strong 90% graduation rate, which exceeds the state average, despite its students scoring well below state averages on standardized tests in English, math, and science. The elementary school has consistently received low state ratings, though its science scores are a relative strength, coming closest to the state average. Both schools serve a high percentage of students from low-income families, and the district as a whole ranks in the bottom 4% statewide, indicating systemic academic challenges across all grade levels.
Key takeaways for parents include understanding that while academic proficiency is a serious area for improvement, the high school has demonstrated success in supporting students to graduation. Critical academic drop-offs occur in 4th-grade English and 8th-grade math, suggesting these are key transition points needing support. The data shows a community where educational outcomes do not yet match the level of per-student investment, highlighting the complex relationship between school resources, community economics, and student achievement.
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