The top reported proficiency rate is 29% in English language arts. The lowest is 26% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Impact | Black River Elementary
Impact | Black River Elementary is a public charter school district in Renton, Washington, serving grades kindergarten through five. It opened in fall 2023 as a new, tuition-free public school option. This is a young institution with a single elementary campus, and its data reflects the early stages of its development.
The school serves a small student body. Its racial and ethnic composition is varied, with Black students and students of two or more races each making up a substantial share, alongside a significant Hispanic population and smaller proportions of white and Asian students. Economic data, including eligibility for free or reduced-price meals, was not available. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was also missing; a parent may want to ask the school directly for these figures.
Academically, the school reports proficiency results for third grade only in math and English language arts, based on Washington's state assessment for the 2024-25 school year. The percentage of students meeting grade-level standards in both subjects was below the statewide average. Because this is a single year of data from a new school, there is no trend to assess. As the school adds grades each year—it plans to expand to fifth grade by 2026-27—more grade-level results will become available, giving families a fuller picture over time.
The school’s educational approach is a central characteristic. The district describes its model as decolonized project-based learning, with each student having a personalized learning plan and a one-on-one adult mentor. This pedagogy is consistent across the school and deliberately distinguishes it from other public options in Renton. The school is part of the Impact Public Schools network, which operates other charter schools in Washington.
Because Impact | Black River Elementary is a single-school charter district, there are no other district schools or traditional attendance boundaries. The district’s governance status is that of an independent charter district. It does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report. State testing data was available for only one grade and one year, limiting the depth of academic context. No comparison to neighboring districts was available in the data provided.
This is a small, new school with a defined pedagogical identity and a student body that is diverse in composition. Families considering it should weigh the appeal of its project-based, mentorship-driven model against the reality that its academic track record is thin and that other data points common in established districts are not yet publicly reported. The school is a distinctive option in the Renton area, and its fit depends largely on a family’s alignment with its stated instructional philosophy.
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