The top reported proficiency rate is 32% in English language arts. The lowest is 27% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Hawkins Middle School
Hawkins Middle School serves grades six through eight in Belfair, Washington, as part of the North Mason School District. It is a regular public school with a middle-school enrollment that is sizable for its three-grade span. Just over half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a marker of the economic mix of the families it serves.
State testing results from the 2024–25 school year are available for math, English language arts, and eighth-grade science. In math, proficiency rates were in the mid-to-high twenties across grades six, seven, and eight, with eighth grade showing a slightly lower share. In English language arts, rates were in the low thirties, with eighth graders reaching about a third proficient. Eighth-grade science proficiency was in the high twenties. Because only one year of data under the current assessment was provided, there is no trend to compare. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index sits just below the midpoint when placed against other districts in Mason County—a county-wide comparison that includes seven districts. A parent looking at these results may want to ask the school about specific supports and interventions in place, particularly given that more than half of the students come from lower-income households.
The student body is predominantly white, with a substantial share of Hispanic students and smaller numbers of students who are two or more races, Black, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or American Indian or Alaska Native. Data on the share of students with disabilities or those classified as English learners was not available in the source material. No information on chronic absenteeism, discipline, staffing ratios, or course access was provided, so a parent interested in those areas should check directly with the school.
Belfair is an unincorporated community and the commercial hub of northern Mason County, situated at the mouth of the Union River on Hood Canal. The built environment is strung along State Route 3, with grocery stores, restaurants, medical offices, and professional services. The area is car-dependent; most residents drive alone to work. Civic life centers on the Mary E. Theler Community Center, adjacent wetlands with miles of boardwalks and trails, a state park on Hood Canal, a Timberland Regional Library branch, and a seasonal farmers market. Mason County Transit provides local bus service and connections to nearby communities. The district itself reported no recent changes such as levies, bond measures, or curriculum shifts in publicly available materials.
Housing in Belfair’s zip code shows a median home value that is roughly in line with the national median and notably below the Washington state median, making it a relatively affordable option within the state. Rents are moderate. The mortgage-to-rent comparison suggests that buying a home would cost somewhat more per month than renting, typical of many markets. The area has seen steady population growth since the 2020 census, though no major new housing developments were identified in the search.
For a family considering Hawkins Middle School, the key takeaway is a middle school serving a community that is affordable by Washington standards and growing modestly, where academic proficiency rates—particularly in math and English—are below the midpoint for the county. The school’s economic diversity and the absence of certain commonly reported data points such as chronic absenteeism or staffing numbers mean that a parent would benefit from visiting, talking to staff, and asking about classroom supports and the school’s approach to student progress.
See more original research from School Decision →