The top reported proficiency rate is 42% in English language arts. The lowest is 37% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Kittitas School District
The Kittitas School District serves a rural area in central Washington, covering grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. The district is small, with an enrollment that is predominantly white, and a Hispanic population that makes up a substantial share of the student body. The district operates an elementary school, a high school, a treatment center, and a special education program. The community context is shaped by the nearby city of Ellensburg, which is the largest population center in Kittitas County and where most district-weighted housing values and rents are concentrated. Home values in the district are roughly in line with the state average, and rents are moderate relative to incomes.
On state assessments administered in the 2024-25 school year, the district’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades placed below the midpoint among Kittitas County’s districts. In English language arts, proficiency rates varied by grade, with the highest share of students meeting the bar in sixth grade and the lowest in eighth grade. Math proficiency rates were lower across the board, with the strongest showing in fourth grade and the weakest in seventh grade. Science results, available for fifth and eighth grades, showed a similar pattern, with a higher share of fifth graders meeting the standard than eighth graders. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate also fell below the midpoint among county districts, meaning a larger share of students missed substantial school time compared to the median district in the county. A parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what supports are in place.
The district’s per-pupil current spending sits in the middle range, upper half among Kittitas County’s districts. The district operates four schools: Kittitas Elementary School, Kittitas High School, Parke Creek Treatment Center, and a special education program for younger students. The treatment center and the special education program serve specific populations, so the district’s academic profile is shaped primarily by the elementary and high school. The district’s graduation rate was not available in the data, so a parent may want to ask the district directly about its four-year completion rate.
The district’s student body is small, with enrollment spread fairly evenly across grades from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The student population is predominantly white, with a Hispanic enrollment that is a substantial minority. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, as well as the share of students with disabilities or who are English learners, was not available. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate, however, was reported and fell below the midpoint among Kittitas County’s districts, meaning a larger portion of students missed significant school time compared to the median district in the county. A parent may want to ask the district about attendance supports.
The district’s housing market is shaped by the city of Ellensburg, where the majority of district-weighted home values and rents are concentrated. Home values in the district are roughly in line with the state average, and rents are moderate relative to the national median household income. The district’s per-pupil spending is in the middle range, upper half among Kittitas County’s districts, which suggests a solid level of investment in its schools.
The district’s academic performance on state tests shows a mixed picture. In English language arts, proficiency rates across grades three through eight ranged from a low in eighth grade to a high in sixth grade. Math proficiency rates were lower overall, with the highest share of students meeting the standard in fourth grade and the lowest in seventh grade. Science proficiency, measured in fifth and eighth grades, was higher in fifth grade than in eighth grade. The district’s overall proficiency index placed below the midpoint among Kittitas County’s districts. A parent may want to ask the district about academic supports, particularly in math and in the middle school grades where proficiency rates were lower.
The district’s chronic absenteeism rate was reported and fell below the midpoint among county districts, meaning a larger share of students missed substantial school time compared to the median district in the county. A parent may want to ask the district about attendance initiatives and what supports are available for students who are frequently absent.
The district’s per-pupil spending is in the middle range, upper half among Kittitas County’s districts. The district operates four schools: Kittitas Elementary School, Kittitas High School, Parke Creek Treatment Center, and a special education program for younger students. The treatment center and the special education program serve specific populations, so the district’s academic profile is shaped primarily by the elementary and high school. The district’s graduation rate was not available in the data, so a parent may want to ask the district directly about its four-year completion rate.
The district’s student body is small, with enrollment spread fairly evenly across grades from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The student population is predominantly white, with a Hispanic enrollment that is a substantial minority. Data on the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, as well as the share of students with disabilities or who are English learners, was not available. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate was reported and fell below the midpoint among county districts, meaning a larger share of students missed substantial school time compared to the median district in the county. A parent may want to ask the district about attendance supports.
The district’s housing market is shaped by the city of Ellensburg, where the majority of district-weighted home values and rents are concentrated. Home values in the district are roughly in line with the state average, and rents are moderate relative to the national median household income. The district’s per-pupil spending is in the middle range, upper half among Kittitas County’s districts, which suggests a solid level of investment in its schools.
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