For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,049 students in Columbia County, WA.
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA are Dayton High School, Dayton Middle School and Starbuck School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Best 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in Columbia County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dayton High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
614 S Third Street
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 9-12 | 90 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Dayton Middle School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 6-8 | 78 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #33.
Starbuck School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
717 Tucannon St
Starbuck, WA 99359
(509) 399-2381
Starbuck, WA 99359
(509) 399-2381
Gr: PK-8 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #44.
Dayton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
302 E Park
Dayton, WA 99328
(206) 382-2507
Dayton, WA 99328
(206) 382-2507
Gr: PK-5 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: n/an/a
Dayton School District Alternative Program
Alternative School
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 9-12 | 4 students Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: n/an/a
Virtual Preparatory Academy Of Washington
Magnet School
717 Tucannon St.
Starbuck, WA 99359
(888) 858-0470
Starbuck, WA 99359
(888) 858-0470
Gr: 8-12 | 674 students Minority enrollment: 42%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA?
The top ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA include Dayton High School, Dayton Middle School and Starbuck School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
6 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
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