The top reported proficiency rate is 37% in Science. The lowest is 28% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Roosevelt Elementary School
Roosevelt Elementary is a regular public elementary school in central Yakima, serving kindergarten through fifth grade as part of the Yakima School District. The school sits within a city that functions as the county seat and commercial center of the Yakima Valley, an area defined by agriculture and related industries such as fruit growing, hop and wine production, and warehousing. Greater Yakima includes suburban unincorporated areas like West Valley and Terrace Heights, and the city has experienced modest population growth in recent years.
The student body is diverse. The largest share of families identify as Hispanic, with a smaller share identifying as White and very small numbers of students who are Asian, Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or of two or more races. A large majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, placing this among schools with a high concentration of economic need. Data on students receiving special education services or English learner support was not available in the materials reviewed.
On state assessments in math, English language arts, and science, student proficiency rates fall below the midpoint when compared with other districts in Yakima County. Across the tested grades, the share of students meeting state standards is modest. In both math and reading, proficiency rates were under a third of students in most grade levels. In science, tested in fifth grade, the rate was somewhat higher but still below a majority. This pattern is consistent with a school where many students face economic challenges that can affect academic preparation and support outside school. A parent may want to discuss with the school what interventions and enrichment programs are in place to address these results.
Because Roosevelt serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate to report. The district, however, has received recognition for its school board and has expanded dual-language programs into nearly every elementary school. At the high school level, the district offers college-access initiatives that allow students to graduate with an associate degree while still on campus. It is not clear from the available information whether Roosevelt Elementary has its own dual-language track, but the district-wide emphasis suggests language programs may be present or growing.
The housing market in the school’s zip code reflects a mix of affordability and rising costs. Home values are well below the Washington state benchmark, and rents are moderate relative to household income. The area’s housing-to-income ratio and mortgage burden are similar to national averages, meaning that for families working in the region, homeownership is within reach but not inexpensive. The economy in Yakima leans on agriculture and related sectors, with unemployment trending around the national average in recent data.
This school fits a family looking for a neighborhood elementary within a larger district that has invested in language pathways and early college options. The academic numbers are low, and families who prioritize strong standardized test performance should examine what additional academic support the school provides and how it tracks student growth. The peer environment is one of high economic diversity weighted toward lower-income households, which may be a comfort or a concern depending on a family’s priorities. The setting is urban in character, but within the wider city there are recreational amenities such as the Yakima Greenway trail system and community parks that serve residents. The district’s recent board award and program expansions point to positive momentum, though it will take time to see whether those efforts reach classroom-level outcomes in elementary grades.
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