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Average

#1628 of 2,228 schools in WA

Emerson High School

High School · Lake Washington School District

10903 NE 53rd ST, Kirkland, WA 98033

Enrollment

64

Student-Teacher

7.1:1

Score

5.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,628 of 2,228

In Kirkland

#23 of 24

public schools

In district

#52 of 53

Lake Washington School District

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Emerson High School

5.2/10

High School in Kirkland · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Northstar Middle School

8.5/10

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

Emerson K-12

7.7/10

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

About Emerson High School

Emerson High School is a public high school in Kirkland, WA, part of Lake Washington School District. Emerson High School serves approximately 64 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 7.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Emerson High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranks #1,628 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Emerson High School show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.6 pts below district
  • This school 5.2 · Average
  • District avg 7.8
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

At 64 students, Emerson High 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.

At 7.1:1 students to teachers, Emerson High School sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

94% of students at Emerson High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.18 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.5Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency31.6% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency52.6% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg+0.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.6 pts
Overall Proficiency42% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-9.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile37th
College Readiness6.8Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio7.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,053
Chronic Absenteeism93.8%

Emerson High School — Students at Emerson High School score 42% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 41.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 63.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 23 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2009
Math
30%
ELA
69.5%
2010
Math
24.5%
ELA
75%
2011
Math
75%
ELA
90%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2015
ELA
90%
2016
ELA
90%
2017
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2018
Math
24.5%
ELA
24.5%
2019
Math
25%
ELA
25%
2022
ELA
75%
2024
Math
31.6%
ELA
52.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.

How Emerson High School Compares

See how Emerson High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
27th percentile in WA
Academic
5.5/10
Average
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
7:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
93.8%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

10903 NE 53rd ST, Kirkland, WA 98033

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Emerson High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. International Community School (rated 9.2/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Lake Washington High School (rated 8.0/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, EASTSIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Kirkland, see our Kirkland schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Northstar Middle School Kirkland 0.0 mi 8.5
Emerson K-12 Kirkland 0.0 mi 7.7
KIRKLAND CHILDRENS SCHOOL Kirkland 0.1 mi
Community School Kirkland 0.6 mi 4.2
International Community School Kirkland 0.6 mi 9.2
CEDAR CREST ACADEMY KIRKLAND Kirkland 0.7 mi 5.6
EASTSIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Kirkland 0.8 mi 6.7
CHESTNUT MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bellevue 0.9 mi
Lakeview Elementary Kirkland 0.9 mi 9.2
LINDAMOOD-BELL LEARNING PROCESSES BELLEVUE Bellevue 1.2 mi
HOLY FAMILY PARISH SCHOOL Kirkland 1.3 mi 6.4
THE LITTLE SCHOOL Bellevue 1.4 mi 7.1
Lake Washington High School Kirkland 1.4 mi 8.0
Benjamin Franklin Elementary Kirkland 1.1 mi 8.9
OVERLAKE SPECIALTY SCHOOL Bellevue 1.5 mi 7.0
BELLEVUE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Bellevue 1.7 mi 6.9
CEDAR CREST ACADEMY - BELLEWOOD CAMPUS Bellevue 1.8 mi 7.5
CEDAR CREST ACADEMY BELLEWOOD Bellevue 1.8 mi 8.3
Cherry Crest Elementary School Bellevue 1.4 mi 8.4
Clyde Hill Elementary Bellevue 1.8 mi 7.9

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98033 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$174,005

Median Home Value

$1,259,900

Median Rent

$2,386/mo

Population

40,662

College Educated

73.3%

Homeownership

63.8%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

6%

Median Age

39.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Alan T. Sugiyama High School Seattle, WA 5.4
Cowlitz Prairie Academy Toledo, WA 5.0
James A. Taylor High School Belfair, WA 5.0
Okanogan Outreach Alternative School Okanogan, WA 5.0
The Outreach Program Kent, WA 5.0
Lyle High School Lyle, WA 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Emerson High School

What grades does Emerson High School serve?

Emerson High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Emerson High School?

Emerson High School has an enrollment of approximately 64 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Emerson High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Emerson High School is 7.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Emerson High School rank in WA?

Emerson High School ranks #1,628 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Emerson High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Emerson High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 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 Emerson High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Emerson High School has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Emerson High School a charter school?

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

Is Emerson High School a Title I school?

No, Emerson High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Emerson High School?

39.1% of students at Emerson 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
48 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
41 Some Transit
Bike Score
49 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
64
Student-Teacher Ratio
7.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
39.1%
Type
alternative
Setting
Large Suburb
County
King County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
93.8%

District

Lake Washington School District
District Enrollment
30,882
Schools in District
57
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,053
District Rank
#52 of 53

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