Skip to main content

Very Good

#803 of 2,228 schools in WA

Top 36% in state

Kalama Elem School

Elementary School · Kalama School District

548 China Garden Road, Kalama, WA 98625

Enrollment

549

Student-Teacher

17.7:1

Score

7.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 5th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#803 of 2,228

In Kalama

#1 of 3

public schools

In district

#1 of 3

Kalama School District

Academic growth

8.2 / 10

Excellent

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Kalama Elem School?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Kalama Elem School

7.0/10

Elementary School in Kalama · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Kalama Middle School

3.9/10

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

Kalama High School

5.1/10

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

About Kalama Elem School

Kalama Elem School is a public elementary school in Kalama, WA, part of Kalama School District. Kalama Elem School serves approximately 549 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 17.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Kalama Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 out of 10 and ranks #803 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Kalama Elem School show 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with WA schools
  • This school 7.0 · Very Good
  • WA avg 6.8

What Parents Should Know

Kalama Elem 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.

35% of students at Kalama Elem 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 Progress8.2Excellent50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-0.89 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendStable
Academics6.9Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency45.3% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency53.2% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-6.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+4.8 pts
Overall Proficiency49% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-1.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
Resources & Environment4.3Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,374
Chronic Absenteeism35.2%

Kalama Elem School — Students at Kalama Elem School score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 51%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

40.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 47.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 54.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
50.2% (2024 SBA)

Based on 34 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
40%
ELA
74%
2010
Math
47%
ELA
60%
2011
Math
55%
ELA
58%
2012
Math
44%
ELA
63%
2013
Math
63%
ELA
73%
2014
Math
50%
ELA
45%
2015
Math
47%
ELA
53%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
50%
2017
Math
44%
ELA
50%
2018
Math
51%
ELA
50%
2019
Math
51%
ELA
50%
2022
Math
42.7%
ELA
38%
2024
Math
45%
ELA
52.9%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.2/10.

How Kalama Elem School Compares

See how Kalama Elem School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.0/10
64th percentile in WA
Academic
6.9/10
Average
Growth
8.2/10
Excellent
Environment
4.3/10
Below Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
40%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
31 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
35.2%

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

548 China Garden Road, Kalama, WA 98625

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Kalama Elem School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. North Fork Elementary School (rated 9.2/10, 7.9 miles away, in nearby Woodland), which scores notably higher. Another option is Columbia Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Woodland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Carrolls Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 4.5 miles away, in nearby Carrolls), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Kalama, see our Kalama schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Kalama Middle School Kalama 0.1 mi 3.9
Kalama High School Kalama 0.1 mi 5.1
Carrolls Elementary Carrolls 4.5 mi 6.8
Woodland High School Woodland 6.5 mi 4.5
Columbia City School Columbia City 8.2 mi 4.0
Columbia Elementary School Woodland 8.3 mi 8.3
Lewis River Academy Woodland 8.3 mi 3.8
Woodland Alternative School Woodland 8.4 mi 4.3
Woodland Middle School Woodland 8.4 mi 8.1
North Fork Elementary School Woodland 7.9 mi 9.2
Plymouth High School St. Helens 9.9 mi 5.6
St. Helens Virtual Academy St. Helens 9.9 mi 5.5
Coweeman Middle School Kelso 9.7 mi 4.6
Kelso High School Kelso 9.7 mi 3.6
Wallace Elementary Kelso 9.4 mi 5.6
St Helens Middle School St. Helens 10.1 mi 4.2
Loowit High School Kelso 9.8 mi
Lewis & Clark Elementary School St. Helens 10.2 mi 5.4
St Helens Arthur Academy St. Helens 10.0 mi 6.5
McBride Elementary School St. Helens 10.5 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98625 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$118,536

Median Home Value

$442,000

Population

7,020

College Educated

27.4%

Homeownership

78.8%

Avg Commute

29.1 min

Poverty Rate

8.2%

Median Age

50.9

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Adams Elementary Spokane Valley, WA 7.0
Barbara McClintock STEM Elementary Pasco, WA 7.0
Boze Elementary School Tacoma, WA 7.0
Butler Acres Elementary Kelso, WA 7.0
Challenger Elementary Everett, WA 7.0
Evergreen Heights Elementary Auburn, WA 7.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kalama Elem School

What grades does Kalama Elem School serve?

Kalama Elem School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

How many students attend Kalama Elem School?

Kalama Elem School has an enrollment of approximately 549 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Kalama Elem School?

The student-teacher ratio at Kalama Elem School is 17.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Kalama Elem School rank in WA?

Kalama Elem School ranks #803 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Kalama Elem School's MySchoolScout rating?

Kalama Elem School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.0 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 Kalama Elem School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Kalama Elem School has 47% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Kalama Elem School a charter school?

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

Is Kalama Elem School a Title I school?

No, Kalama Elem School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Kalama Elem School?

40.4% of students at Kalama Elem 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
43 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
25 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
549
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
31
Free/Reduced Lunch
40.4%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Cowlitz County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
35.2%

District

Kalama School District
District Enrollment
1,151
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,374
District Rank
#1 of 3

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.