The top reported proficiency rate is 43% in Science. The lowest is 21% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Concrete Elementary
Concrete Elementary serves students from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade in the small, rural town of Concrete, Washington, at the edge of the North Cascades. It is a regular public school within the Concrete School District. The school sits on West Street, within walking distance of the town's compact downtown core on Main Street, which includes the Upper Skagit Library, Town Hall, and Silo Park.
The student body is predominantly white, with a Hispanic population representing a noticeable share. The share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch is substantial, indicating that a large portion of families in the area face economic challenges. Data on students with individualized education plans and English learners was not available in the source materials reviewed. The enrollment is small for its grade band, with classes in each grade level reflecting the town's modest population.
On the most recent state assessments, which are a single point in time and the first year of data available for trend comparison, performance was mixed and generally below the benchmark for Washington's Smarter Balanced tests. In English language arts, the share of students meeting proficiency varied across grades, with a low point in third grade and a higher point in fifth grade. In math, proficiency rates were lower across all grades, with a particularly low result in fourth grade and the strongest in third grade. Science testing, administered only at the fifth-grade level, showed a share of students meeting proficiency that was comparable to the stronger English language arts results.
When compared relative to other districts in Skagit County, Concrete Elementary's overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades places it below the midpoint of the set. This is a clear indicator that academic attainment, as measured by state tests, is a soft spot. A parent or resident should understand that the school faces a headwind in driving proficiency, and they may want to discuss with the school the specific instructional strategies and supports in place to address this, particularly in math.
The housing market in Concrete is notably more affordable than the state and national benchmarks. The typical home value is well below the Washington state average, making the area accessible for buyers who might be priced out of larger towns or cities. The town's population has been relatively stable, and its comprehensive plan projects modest growth and identifies a need for more diverse and new housing stock. The Concrete School District is one of the largest local employers; other major employers include Seattle City Light and local retail and service businesses. The historic cement plants that gave the town its name are no longer operational, and the town's identity has shifted toward a gateway for outdoor recreation in the North Cascades.
No recent district-wide changes, such as boundary adjustments, bond measures, or program launches, were confirmed in the publicly available information reviewed. The district's strategic priorities or any recent parent-relevant initiatives were not found in the search, so they are not described here.
Concrete Elementary fits families who want a small-town, rural elementary setting with a tight-knit feel and who are comfortable with the mixed academic performance and the economic realities of the community. For those weighing options, the peer environment reflects the broader town demographics, and the housing market is a relative advantage for entry-level buyers. The academic trajectory is the central question for any parent considering the school, and a direct conversation with the principal or teaching staff about how the school works to move proficiency upward would be a reasonable next step.
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