The top reported proficiency rate is 76% in Science. The lowest is 44% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Willapa Elementary
Willapa Elementary is a regular public school in Raymond, Washington, serving children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade within the Willapa Valley School District. The school has a small enrollment, a scale that allows for a close-knit feel typical of a rural elementary building.
Raymond itself is a small, rural town in Pacific County, situated along the Willapa River near Willapa Bay. The local economy has long been tied to logging, fishing, and oyster culture, and more recently, cannabis-related businesses have become a notable presence following a state initiative. The town has a modest commercial core, anchored by a historic theater and several museums, and the Willapa Hills Trail runs through the community. Population growth has been slow but steady, and median home values have risen in recent years, though housing remains comparatively affordable by state standards. A substantial share of students at Willapa Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting the economic circumstances of the area.
The student body is predominantly white, with a smaller Hispanic population and a noticeable number of students identifying as two or more races. Data on the share of students with disabilities or those learning English was not provided.
On the most recent state assessments, Willapa Elementary’s academic results varied noticeably by grade and subject. In third-grade math, proficiency was below the midpoint of what the state expects, while fourth-grade math reached a level many would consider solid. Fifth-grade math landed between those two points. In English language arts, third-grade proficiency was also on the lower side, but fourth-grade results climbed to a level that could be described as a clear strength. Fifth-grade English again settled in the middle. Where the school stands out is in fifth-grade science, where a large majority of students performed at the proficient level, the strongest result across all tested areas.
When compared to other districts across Pacific County, Willapa Elementary’s overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades lands in the top quartile. This is a meaningful position, as the county contains several small, rural districts with varying economic and demographic profiles, and the school’s composite academic picture is among the higher ones in that group.
Because Willapa Elementary serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report, and data on chronic absenteeism and discipline were not available. Course access and staffing details also were not part of the provided information, so a parent may want to follow up with the school directly about class sizes, specialist teachers, and enrichment offerings.
For a family looking at this community, the school offers a small, rural elementary setting in a town with a modest but distinct local identity. The academic picture is mixed in the early tested grades, with stronger results in fourth grade and in science. The school’s overall performance compares favorably within its county peer group, which is a practical reference point for a family weighing options in this part of Washington. A conversation with the principal about how the school supports early elementary literacy and math would be a reasonable next step for any parent considering enrollment.
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