The top reported proficiency rate is 38% in English language arts. The lowest is 20% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Robert L Olds Junior High School
Robert L. Olds Junior High School serves seventh and eighth graders in Connell, a small agricultural-industrial city in Franklin County, Washington. The school is part of the North Franklin School District and sits on the west side of town, connected to the downtown core by Clark Street, which also links to the highway. The community itself has a modest commercial district and a mix of single-family homes; its major employers include the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, a Lamb Weston potato processing plant, and agricultural chemical industries. The city’s population grew through 2020 but has since declined, and several businesses have left with few new ones opening.
Academically, state testing results from the most recent school year show that the school’s overall proficiency across math, English language arts, and science places it in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Franklin County. In math, the share of students meeting proficiency standards is well below what many families might expect, particularly in eighth grade. English language arts results are somewhat stronger, with roughly two out of five students demonstrating proficiency in both seventh and eighth grades. Science results, available only for eighth graders, follow a similar pattern to math. Because this is the only year of data available, it is not possible to see whether performance is improving or declining. The school does not serve high school grades, so there is no graduation rate to report.
The student body is predominantly Hispanic, with a substantial white minority and small numbers of students from other racial backgrounds. A very high share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating that the school serves a community with significant economic need. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about how those populations are supported.
The school is a regular public school, not a charter or magnet. It is a traditional junior high setting, focused on the two middle grades. No information was provided about course offerings, extracurricular programs, or disciplinary climate, so families interested in those areas should follow up with the school.
Connell’s housing market is more affordable than the state average, with home values well below Washington’s typical level. The national mortgage rate context and typical rent-to-income ratio suggest that owning a home in Connell is less costly than renting in many parts of the country, though local economic conditions may limit household budgets.
In February 2024, voters in the North Franklin School District approved a replacement educational programs and operations levy, which sustains local property-tax funding for district operations through at least 2027. They also approved a bond measure to fund facility improvements, including safety upgrades, HVAC improvements, classroom and lab upgrades, and roof replacements across district schools. These investments may affect the junior high school’s physical plant and programming in the coming years.
For a parent considering this school, the picture is one of a small, rural junior high serving a high-poverty student body with academic results that are lower than those of most other districts in the county. The district has recently secured local funding for operations and facilities, which could lead to improvements. The community offers affordable housing but has limited economic growth and a shrinking population. Families who value a tight-knit, small-town setting may find it a fit, but those seeking strong academic outcomes on state measures will want to look closely at the school’s support structures and ask about any interventions or enrichment opportunities available.
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