The top reported proficiency rate is 67% in English language arts. The lowest is 58% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Hockinson Middle School
Hockinson Middle School serves students in sixth through eighth grades in the Hockinson School District, a small district in Clark County. The school sits in Brush Prairie, an unincorporated community with a rural-residential character, active farms, and large-lot homes. There is no downtown or commercial core within Brush Prairie itself; the area is low-density and car-dependent, and school campuses are located in neighboring communities rather than within the CDP. Families who live here are typically looking for a quieter exurban setting with agricultural heritage, and they tend to commute to nearby Vancouver, Battle Ground, or Portland for work.
The school’s student body is relatively small for a middle school, and it is predominantly white, with a modest share of students who are Hispanic and a small number who identify with two or more races. Other racial groups make up only a tiny fraction of the enrollment. A meaningful share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, though not a majority. Data on students with Individualized Education Programs and English learners was not available in our information, so a parent may wish to ask the school directly about how special education and language support services are structured.
State assessment results are available for the 2024-25 school year, the only year we have data for, so we cannot speak to trends. In both English language arts and math, proficiency rates rise noticeably as students advance from sixth to eighth grade. In ELA, roughly half of sixth graders met the state bar, while about two-thirds of seventh graders and a strong majority of eighth graders did. In math, the progression is similar: roughly half of sixth graders were proficient, rising to well over half of seventh graders and a solid majority of eighth graders. Eighth-grade science results were also reported, and about two-thirds of students were proficient. When compared to other districts in Clark County, Hockinson Middle School’s overall proficiency index across tested subjects and grades lands in the top quartile, placing it among the stronger performers in the county on this measure.
The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report.
The broader district context adds useful detail. Hockinson High School was newly built in 2023 on a large campus, offering College in the High School, Advanced Placement, and Career and Technical Education courses. This is a major, lasting program expansion that makes the district a more attractive option for families who want a brand-new high school facility with multiple academic pathways. The district also launched Hockinson Virtual Academy in 2020, a permanent online learning option for grades six through twelve, which gives families within the district a choice beyond the traditional classroom.
The housing market in the Brush Prairie area reflects its exurban character. Home values are elevated relative to national benchmarks, and the typical mortgage payment would be substantially higher than the typical rent. For families considering a move to the district, owning a home here requires significant income. The area has seen some population growth over the longer term, though recent estimates suggest a modest decline. No major new housing developments or commercial projects were identified, consistent with the area’s large-lot zoning and rural-residential feel.
For a parent evaluating this middle school, the picture is straightforward. Academics are a clear strength: proficiency rates are solid, especially in the upper middle grades, and the school performs well within the county. The setting is low-density and car-dependent, with no town center to walk to. The district’s new high school and online academy add flexibility and a modern facility for students moving up. The main open questions for any given family would be about special population services, which were not in our data, and whether the area’s rural character and housing costs fit their preferences.
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