The top reported proficiency rate is 44% in Science. The lowest is 36% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Mike Morris Elementary
Mike Morris Elementary is a public school in South Bend, a small, rural town that serves as the county seat of Pacific County, Washington. The school serves children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, drawing students from the town and the surrounding area. South Bend is defined by its working waterfront and oyster industry, with a compact downtown anchored by the historic Pacific County Courthouse. The town’s population has been roughly flat to slightly declining in recent years, and its economic strategy has turned toward outdoor recreation—hiking, boating, and birding—to attract visitors and rebuild local vitality. Housing values in the area are notably lower than the state average, making the town more affordable than many parts of Washington.
The student body at Mike Morris Elementary is diverse and reflects the community’s economic realities. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, a signal that many families face financial strain. Hispanic students form the largest demographic group, followed closely by white students, with a meaningful share of students who identify as two or more races. Smaller numbers of Asian and American Indian or Alaska Native students are also enrolled. The school does not publicly report counts of students receiving special education services or English learner support, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those programs and how they are resourced.
Academically, the school’s performance on Washington’s state assessments varied considerably across grades and subjects. In both math and English language arts, some grade levels posted proficiency rates that were a little under half or slightly above, while others fell markedly below. For example, in the upper elementary grades, proficiency in math was notably lower among sixth graders compared to fourth and fifth graders, and in reading, third graders had the lowest performance across tested grades. Science results for fifth graders were in a similar range to the better-performing math and reading grades. When compared to other districts within Pacific County, Mike Morris Elementary’s overall proficiency index sits below the midpoint of the cohort. These patterns suggest that while some students are achieving at solid levels, there are areas—particularly in early literacy and middle-grade math—where a parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what supports are in place.
Because the school serves only through sixth grade, there is no graduation rate to evaluate, and no data on chronic absenteeism or discipline were available in the source materials. The district that operates Mike Morris Elementary, South Bend School District, did not appear to have undergone any major recent changes that would affect a family’s decision.
For a family considering this school, the context is straightforward. This is a small, rural elementary school in a town where housing is relatively affordable and the local economy is built around natural resources and government services. The student population is economically diverse with a high proportion of low-income families. Academic outcomes are mixed, with some grades showing stronger results than others, and the school’s overall standing relative to neighboring districts is in the lower half. A parent who values a close-knit, small-town setting and wants to be directly involved in their child’s education may find this a good fit, especially if they are willing to engage with the school on any academic concerns. Those seeking uniformly high test scores or a wider range of program offerings might want to explore other options or ask the school about its plans for improvement.
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