Summary:
ZIP code 99338 has two public middle schools serving grades 6–8: Chinook Middle School and Desert Hills Middle School, both part of the Kennewick School District. Located in the Kennewick area, these schools are similar in size, enrolling a combined 1,856 students, and have nearly identical student-teacher ratios of about 22 students per teacher.
Desert Hills Middle School is the stronger performer on current measures. It ranks 104th of 514 Washington middle schools, falls in the 80th percentile, and has a 4-star rating. Its proficiency rates are 63.38% in English language arts, 50.92% in math, and 53.15% in science, exceeding both district and state averages in all three subjects. The largest advantage is in math, especially 8th grade, where Desert Hills’ proficiency rate is 56.64% compared with 32.91% at Chinook Middle School. Desert Hills has also maintained a strong upward ranking trend over the past three school years.
Chinook Middle School has a lower current rating—3 stars and 65th percentile—but shows encouraging progress. Its statewide rank improved from 277th in 2023–24 to 178th in 2025–26, while proficiency increased in ELA, math, and science during the most recent year. ELA is a relative strength, with 59.12% proficiency, above both district and state averages. Math and science remain the main areas for improvement, particularly 8th-grade math. Chinook also reports a higher free/reduced-price lunch rate and slightly higher per-student spending than Desert Hills, while staffing ratios are nearly identical. Families prioritizing current academic results may prefer Desert Hills; those also considering improvement trends may find Chinook’s recent progress notable.
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