Below Average
#2029 of 2,225 schools in WA
Ellensburg High School
High School · Ellensburg School District
1203 E Capitol, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Enrollment
974
Student-Teacher
22.7:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
974
Student-Teacher
22.7:1
Score
4.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Ellensburg
#9 of 9
public schools
Washington high schools
#416 of 476
In district
#8 of 8
Ellensburg School District
About Ellensburg High School
Ellensburg High School serves 974 students in grades 9-12 in the heart of Ellensburg, Washington. With 43 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 22.7:1, providing a substantial learning environment for its nearly 1,000 students. Academically, the school ranks in the 52nd percentile among Washington high schools, placing #1,090 out of 2,261 schools statewide.
Students demonstrate solid performance in English Language Arts, with 57% achieving proficiency or above across grade levels. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 reflects steady academic performance with room for continued growth and development. The school draws from a diverse community where 40% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, creating an educationally supportive environment.
The surrounding neighborhood has a median household income of $65,551 and median home values of $396,700, reflecting a stable middle-class community, though 16.3% of families experience poverty, adding important socioeconomic diversity to the student body. Located on East Capitol Avenue, Ellensburg High School sits in the charming college town of Ellensburg, home to Central Washington University, where the academic atmosphere and small-town character create a unique setting for high school students to learn and grow.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Ellensburg High School is 22.7:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Ellensburg High School — Students at Ellensburg High School score 46% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 9 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.
How Ellensburg High School Compares
See how Ellensburg High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 44% (2019) to 31.4% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 77% (2019) to 60.4% (2024).
Location
1203 E Capitol, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Ellensburg High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Naches Valley High School (rated 7.6/10, 19.6 miles away, in nearby Naches), which scores notably higher. Another option is Kittitas High School (rated 5.5/10, 4.8 miles away, in nearby Kittitas), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Selah High School (rated 3.2/10, 22.7 miles away, in nearby Selah), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Ellensburg, see our Ellensburg schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| K-12 Ellensburg Learning Center Ellensburg | 0.1 mi | 4.6 |
| Valley View Elementary School Ellensburg | 0.3 mi | 8.3 |
| Lincoln Elementary Ellensburg | 0.6 mi | 8.3 |
| ELLENSBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Ellensburg | 0.7 mi | 5.9 |
| Morgan Middle School Ellensburg | 0.7 mi | 5.2 |
| DISCOVERY LAB OF ELLENSBURG Ellensburg | 0.9 mi | — |
| Early Learning Center Ellensburg | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Mt. Stuart Elementary Ellensburg | 1.9 mi | 5.8 |
| Ida Nason Aronica Elementary Ellensburg | 1.9 mi | 6.9 |
| Damman Elementary Ellensburg | 2.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Kittitas High School Kittitas | 4.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Kittitas Elementary School Kittitas | 5.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Kittitas B-5 Special Ed Program Kittitas | 5.1 mi | — |
| Thorp Elem & Jr Sr High Thorp | 8.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Parke Creek Treatment Ctr Ellensburg | 9.9 mi | — |
| Selah Academy Auxiliary Selah | 20.0 mi | — |
| Naches Valley High School Naches | 19.6 mi | 7.6 |
| Naches Valley Elementary School Naches | 20.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Naches Valley Middle School Naches | 19.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Selah High School Selah | 22.7 mi | 3.2 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98926 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,826
Median Home Value
$425,600
Median Rent
$1,261/mo
Population
31,883
College Educated
37.9%
Homeownership
55.3%
Avg Commute
19.2 min
Poverty Rate
16.3%
Median Age
31.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Ellensburg High School has a median household income of $66,826. It is an area where 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $425,600, with a median rent of $1,261/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| A G West Black Hills High School Tumwater, WA | 4.2 |
| Marysville Pilchuck High School Marysville, WA | 4.2 |
| Sedro Woolley Senior High School Sedro-Woolley, WA | 4.2 |
| Woodland High School Woodland, WA | 4.2 |
| Dr. Dolores Silas High School Tacoma, WA | 4.1 |
| Lakes High School Lakewood, WA | 4.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ellensburg High School
What grades does Ellensburg High School serve?
Ellensburg High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Ellensburg High School?
Ellensburg High School has an enrollment of approximately 974 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Ellensburg High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Ellensburg High School is 22.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Ellensburg High School rank in WA?
Ellensburg High School is ranked #2029 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Ellensburg High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Ellensburg High School has a composite rating of 4.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Ellensburg High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Ellensburg High School has 35.6% math proficiency and 63.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Ellensburg High School a charter school?
No, Ellensburg High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Ellensburg High School a Title I school?
No, Ellensburg High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ellensburg High School?
39.3% of students at Ellensburg High 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 974
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Kittitas County
- Phone
- (509) 925-8300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Ellensburg School District- District Enrollment
- 3,339
- Schools in District
- 8
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,335
- District Rank
- #8 of 8
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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