The top reported proficiency rate is 55% in Science. The lowest is 49% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Lexington Elementary
Lexington Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in Kelso, Washington, part of the Kelso School District. It is a large elementary school by enrollment, drawing from neighborhoods across the city. The student body is predominantly white, with a substantial Hispanic minority and smaller shares of students who identify as two or more races, Asian, Native American, Black, or Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, reflecting the economic profile of the community.
Academically, Lexington’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it above the midpoint relative to school districts in Cowlitz County. This is a solid performance for an elementary school serving a high-poverty population. State assessment results for the 2024–25 school year show variation by grade and subject. In math, third graders performed well, with a majority meeting proficiency standards. Fourth and fifth graders scored lower, with fewer than half reaching that benchmark. In English language arts, fifth graders also had a strong showing, with a majority proficient. Third and fourth graders in ELA were closer to the midpoint, with roughly two in five meeting the standard. On the fifth-grade science assessment, a little more than half of students were proficient. These results come from a single year of testing, so no trend is available yet. A parent may want to ask the school how these patterns compare with prior years and what supports are in place for students who are not yet at grade level.
The school does not offer programs for older grades such as Advanced Placement or career pathways, as it only serves elementary grades. No data was available on chronic absenteeism, discipline, or staffing from the sources we used. The school’s Title I status was not reported, though the high share of students receiving free or reduced-price meals often signals that a school receives federal Title I funding. A parent may want to confirm this directly with the school or district.
Kelso is a small city along the Cowlitz River, directly across from Longview, and the two form a combined metropolitan area. The economy remains tied to wood products and natural resource industries, with government employment and retail also playing roles. The city is auto-oriented; most errands require a car, though a local bus service connects Kelso and Longview. The downtown core along the river has a historic feel with city offices, an Amtrak station, and small businesses. Interstate 5 runs through Kelso, dividing parts of the city. Housing values are moderate for Washington, well below state averages, making Kelso a more affordable option for families. The population has been nearly flat in recent years; no major new housing developments were identified in public sources, and a past landslide on hillsides has constrained development in some areas. The district’s schools are spread across the city rather than clustered in one area; Lexington Elementary is located on Boardwalk Way, a street name that hints at the riverfront setting.
We looked for recent district developments such as bond measures or strategic priorities but found little publicly reported material beyond the general information already covered. A parent interested in upcoming facility investments or program changes may want to check the Kelso School District website or attend a school board meeting.
Overall, Lexington Elementary offers a solid academic option within its county context, particularly for elementary-aged children. The school serves a community with above-average economic need, and its proficiency rates, especially in third-grade math and fifth-grade English language arts, are encouraging. The larger enrollment means class sizes may be larger, and the school’s location in a mid-sized, working-class city provides a straightforward, no-frills setting. Families considering this school should weigh the academic strengths against areas where fewer students meet standards, and they may want to ask the school about specific interventions for students who are not yet proficient.
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