Summary:
ZIP code 99344 contains seven schools serving elementary, middle, and high school students in the Othello School District. The area serves about 4,391 students, and most schools report that roughly 79% to 85% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating substantial economic need. Overall, the elementary schools are the strongest academic performers, while high school mathematics and science remain the biggest challenges.
Wahitis Elementary School has the strongest current test results, leading the local schools in English language arts, math, and science. It also has the lowest student-teacher ratio among the traditional elementary schools, although its scores declined from the previous year. Scootney Springs Elementary has made the largest ranking improvement, rising to the 46th percentile statewide, with stronger ELA and math results but a notable drop in science. Lutacaga Elementary improved in all three tested subjects and has the highest spending per student, though its overall achievement remains uneven. Hiawatha Elementary School shows considerable grade-level variation: third-grade math is a bright spot, but science and some upper-grade results are weak.
McFarland Middle School improved modestly across ELA, math, and science, but its scores remain below state levels and should be strengthened before students enter high school. Othello High School has the area’s lowest test performance, especially in math, yet its 90% graduation rate and below-average dropout rate are important strengths. Open Door Re-Engagement serves only 20 students and should be evaluated separately because of its specialized mission and small enrollment. For families comparing options, Wahitis leads in current achievement, Scootney shows the strongest improvement, and Lutacaga shows the broadest recent academic gains.
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