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Below Average

#1762 of 2,228 schools in WA

Columbia Middle School

Middle School · Columbia (Walla Walla) School District

755 Maple Street, Burbank, WA 99323

Enrollment

184

Student-Teacher

16.7:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,762 of 2,228

In Burbank

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Columbia (Walla Walla) School District

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Columbia Middle School

4.9/10

Middle School in Burbank · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Columbia High School

5.3/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Columbia Elementary

6.5/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Columbia Middle School

Columbia Middle School is a public middle school in Burbank, WA, part of Columbia (Walla Walla) School District. Columbia Middle School serves approximately 184 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Columbia Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,762 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Columbia Middle School show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.1 pts below WA schools
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • WA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

At 184 students, Columbia Middle School is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Columbia Middle School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

40% of students at Columbia Middle School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress5.0Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-1.9 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.3Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency33.7% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-20.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-13.8 pts
Overall Proficiency26% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)40% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-13.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile14th
Resources & Environment6.8Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,710
Chronic Absenteeism39.7%

Columbia Middle School — Students at Columbia Middle School score 26% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 40%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

59.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 28.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.9% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 45.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.0% (2024 SBA)

Based on 32 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
38%
ELA
61%
2010
Math
45%
ELA
59%
2011
Math
48%
ELA
70%
2012
Math
39%
ELA
70%
2014
Math
22%
ELA
42%
2015
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
37%
2017
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2018
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
22.4%
ELA
42%
2024
Math
18.2%
ELA
34.3%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.0/10.

How Columbia Middle School Compares

See how Columbia Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
21th percentile in WA
Academic
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.0/10
Average
Environment
6.8/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
59%
Teaching Staff
17:1 student-teacher ratio
11 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

755 Maple Street, Burbank, WA 99323

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Columbia Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Finley Middle School (rated 4.4/10, 3.4 miles away, in nearby Kennewick), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Ellen Ochoa Middle School (rated 3.9/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Pasco), a more accessible option. For more schools in Burbank, see our Burbank schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Columbia High School Burbank 0.1 mi 5.3
Columbia Elementary Burbank 0.1 mi 6.5
Finley Middle School Kennewick 3.4 mi 4.4
River View High School Kennewick 3.4 mi 5.1
Finley Elementary Kennewick 4.4 mi 4.7
Virgie Robinson Elementary Pasco 3.8 mi 7.3
Whittier Elementary Pasco 4.2 mi 3.5
Ellen Ochoa Middle School Pasco 4.3 mi 3.9
Marie Curie STEM Elementary Pasco 4.3 mi 6.2
Eastgate Elementary School Kennewick 4.4 mi 4.6
Longfellow Elementary Pasco 4.9 mi 5.3
Pasco Early Childhood Pasco 4.9 mi 5.7
Pasco Innovative Experiences and e-Learning Pasco 4.9 mi 2.9
Pasco Early Learning Center Pasco 5.1 mi 4.5
Pasco Senior High School Pasco 5.2 mi 3.2
Captain Gray STEM Elementary Pasco 5.3 mi 7.1
ST PATRICK'S CATHOLIC SCHOOL Pasco 5.4 mi 5.9
Emerson Elementary Pasco 5.5 mi 5.6
Washington Elementary School Kennewick 5.3 mi 4.0
Kennewick High School Kennewick 5.6 mi 6.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 99323 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$86,597

Median Home Value

$358,600

Median Rent

$1,088/mo

Population

4,198

College Educated

22.3%

Homeownership

86.8%

Avg Commute

25.9 min

Poverty Rate

13.7%

Median Age

32.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Mount Adams Middle School White Swan, WA 4.9
Tacoma Online Middle School Tacoma, WA 4.9
Tonasket Middle School Tonasket, WA 4.9
10th Street School Marysville, WA 4.6
La Conner Middle La Conner, WA 4.6
Warden Middle School Warden, WA 5.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Columbia Middle School

What grades does Columbia Middle School serve?

Columbia Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Columbia Middle School?

Columbia Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 184 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Columbia Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Columbia Middle School is 16.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Columbia Middle School rank in WA?

Columbia Middle School ranks #1,762 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Columbia Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Columbia Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Columbia Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Columbia Middle School has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 45% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Columbia Middle School a charter school?

No, Columbia Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Columbia Middle School a Title I school?

No, Columbia Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Columbia Middle School?

59.2% of students at Columbia Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
17 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
184
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
11
Free/Reduced Lunch
59.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Walla Walla County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
39.7%

District

Columbia (Walla Walla) School District
District Enrollment
782
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,710
District Rank
#3 of 3

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