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Needs Improvement

#2049 of 2,228 schools in WA

Graham Kapowsin High School

High School · Bethel School District

22100 108th Ave E, Graham, WA 98338

Enrollment

2,105

Student-Teacher

25.1:1

Score

3.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#2,049 of 2,228

In Graham

#9 of 9

public schools

In district

#29 of 33

Bethel School District

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Graham Kapowsin High School

3.9/10

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

Nelson Elementary School

6.9/10

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

Frontier Middle School

5.5/10

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

About Graham Kapowsin High School

Graham Kapowsin High School is a public high school in Graham, WA, part of Bethel School District. Graham Kapowsin High School serves approximately 2,105 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 25.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Graham Kapowsin High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,049 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Graham Kapowsin High School show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 3.7
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Graham Kapowsin High School is a large school: 2,105 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Graham Kapowsin High School runs 25.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

46% of students at Graham Kapowsin 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 Progress3.8Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.3 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.6Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency14.4% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency56.2% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-17.1 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-5 pts
Overall Proficiency35% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)47% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-11.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile27th
College Readiness4.4Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation19.2%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio25.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,370
Chronic Absenteeism46%

Graham Kapowsin High School — Students at Graham Kapowsin High School score 35% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 47%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

46.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 42.5% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 72.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 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
31%
ELA
83%
2010
Math
61%
ELA
84%
2011
Math
64%
ELA
80%
2012
Math
75%
ELA
86%
2013
Math
80%
ELA
85%
2014
Math
28%
ELA
62%
2015
Math
29%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
43%
ELA
84%
2017
Math
41%
ELA
63%
2018
Math
36%
ELA
71%
2019
Math
36%
ELA
71%
2022
ELA
62%
2024
Math
14.4%
ELA
56.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.8/10.

How Graham Kapowsin High School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.9/10
8th percentile in WA
Academic
4.6/10
Below Average
Growth
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.2/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.8
Sports
21
9 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
47%
Teaching Staff
25:1 student-teacher ratio
84 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
46.0%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
19.2% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics21sports offered
9 boys'·12 girls'·43 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

22100 108th Ave E, Graham, WA 98338

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Graham Kapowsin High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Pioneer Valley Elementary (rated 8.5/10, 2.3 miles away, in nearby Spanaway), which scores notably higher. Another option is North Star Elementary (rated 8.4/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Rocky Ridge Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 3.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Graham, see our Graham schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Nelson Elementary School Graham 0.1 mi 6.9
Frontier Middle School Graham 0.1 mi 5.5
Graham Elementary Graham 1.0 mi 7.6
Emerald Ridge High School Puyallup 2.5 mi 6.3
Emma L Carson Elementary Puyallup 2.6 mi 5.9
North Star Elementary Graham 2.0 mi 8.4
Glacier View Junior High Puyallup 2.5 mi 4.5
Kapowsin Elementary Graham 2.9 mi 6.8
Liberty Middle School Spanaway 2.2 mi 5.6
Bethel Virtual Academy Spanaway 2.2 mi 2.5
Frank Brouillet Elem Puyallup 3.0 mi 7.7
Pioneer Valley Elementary Spanaway 2.3 mi 8.5
Doris Stahl Junior High Puyallup 3.2 mi 5.9
G W Edgerton Elementary Puyallup 3.6 mi 6.5
Frederickson Elementary Puyallup 3.6 mi 5.4
Pope Elementary Puyallup 4.3 mi 7.3
Rocky Ridge Elementary Graham 3.8 mi 8.0
Centennial Elementary Graham 3.6 mi 7.3
Firgrove Elementary Puyallup 5.0 mi 4.9
Warren Hunt Elem Puyallup 5.0 mi 5.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98338 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$112,788

Median Home Value

$471,800

Median Rent

$1,889/mo

Population

32,726

College Educated

18.9%

Homeownership

83.7%

Avg Commute

41.2 min

Poverty Rate

6.9%

Median Age

37

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Eisenhower High School Yakima, WA 3.9
Kentlake High School Kent, WA 3.9
Lindbergh Senior High School Renton, WA 3.9
Marysville Getchell High School Marysville, WA 3.9
Ridgeline High School Liberty Lake, WA 3.8
Sunnyside High School Sunnyside, WA 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Graham Kapowsin High School

What grades does Graham Kapowsin High School serve?

Graham Kapowsin High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Graham Kapowsin High School?

Graham Kapowsin High School has an enrollment of approximately 2,105 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Graham Kapowsin High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Graham Kapowsin High School is 25.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Graham Kapowsin High School rank in WA?

Graham Kapowsin High School ranks #2,049 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Graham Kapowsin High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Graham Kapowsin High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 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 Graham Kapowsin High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Graham Kapowsin High School has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 73% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Graham Kapowsin High School a charter school?

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

Is Graham Kapowsin High School a Title I school?

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

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

46.9% of students at Graham Kapowsin 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
18 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,105
Student-Teacher Ratio
25.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
84
Free/Reduced Lunch
46.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Pierce County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
46.0%

District

Bethel School District
District Enrollment
21,539
Schools in District
39
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,370
District Rank
#29 of 33

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