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Top 5 Best Columbia County Public Schools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,049 students in Columbia County, WA.
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA are Dayton High School, Starbuck School and Dayton Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Washington public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Columbia County (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Dayton High School
(Math: 40-59% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
614 S Third Street
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Grades: 9-12
| 90 students
Rank: #22.
Starbuck School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
717 Tucannon St
Starbuck, WA 99359
(509) 399-2381
Grades: PK-8
| 23 students
Rank: #33.
Dayton Middle School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Grades: 6-8
| 78 students
Rank: #44.
Dayton Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
302 E Park
Dayton, WA 99328
(206) 382-2507
Grades: PK-5
| 180 students
Rank: n/an/a
Dayton School District Alternative Program
Alternative School
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Grades: 9-12
| 4 students
Rank: n/an/a
717 Tucannon St.
Starbuck, WA 99359
(888) 858-0470
Grades: 8-12
| 674 students

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA include Dayton High School, Starbuck School and Dayton Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
6 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).

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