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Needs Improvement

#2056 of 2,228 schools in WA

Kalama Middle School

Middle School · Kalama School District

548 China Garden Road, Kalama, WA 98625

Enrollment

246

Student-Teacher

15.4:1

Score

3.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#2,056 of 2,228

In Kalama

#3 of 3

public schools

In district

#3 of 3

Kalama School District

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Kalama Middle School

3.9/10

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

Kalama High School

5.1/10

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

Kalama Elem School

7.0/10

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

About Kalama Middle School

Kalama Middle School is a public middle school in Kalama, WA, part of Kalama School District. Kalama Middle School serves approximately 246 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Kalama Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,056 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Kalama Middle School show 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares2.1 pts below WA schools
  • This school 3.9 · Needs Improvement
  • WA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

Kalama 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.

34% of students at Kalama 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 Progress3.5Needs Improvement40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.41 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.1Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency22.6% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency31.2% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-16 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-16.3 pts
Overall Proficiency27% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)51% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-23.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
Resources & Environment5.8Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,374
Chronic Absenteeism34.1%

Kalama Middle School — Students at Kalama Middle School score 27% 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

41.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 40.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.9% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 55.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.0% (2024 SBA)

Based on 34 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
54%
ELA
73%
2010
Math
60%
ELA
76%
2011
Math
53%
ELA
69%
2012
Math
58%
ELA
68%
2013
Math
60%
ELA
69%
2014
Math
39%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
45%
ELA
61%
2016
Math
38%
ELA
65%
2017
Math
42%
ELA
65%
2018
Math
41%
ELA
57%
2019
Math
41%
ELA
57%
2022
Math
26.9%
ELA
43%
2024
Math
22.9%
ELA
31.3%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.5/10.

How Kalama Middle School Compares

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

Overall Score
3.9/10
8th percentile in WA
Academic
3.1/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
5.8/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
41%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
34.1%

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 Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Woodland Middle School (rated 8.1/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Woodland), which scores notably higher. Another option is Coweeman Middle School (rated 4.6/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Kelso), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, St Helens Middle School (rated 4.2/10, 10.1 miles away, in nearby St. Helens), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Kalama, see our Kalama schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 10.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Kalama High School Kalama 0.0 mi 5.1
Kalama Elem School Kalama 0.1 mi 7.0
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 8.4 mi 8.3
Lewis River Academy Woodland 8.4 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
Coweeman Middle School Kelso 9.6 mi 4.6
Plymouth High School St. Helens 9.9 mi 5.6
St. Helens Virtual Academy St. Helens 9.9 mi 5.5
Kelso High School Kelso 9.7 mi 3.6
Wallace Elementary Kelso 9.4 mi 5.6
Loowit High School Kelso 9.8 mi
St Helens Middle School St. Helens 10.1 mi 4.2
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 10.6 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
Castle Rock Middle School Castle Rock, WA 4.0
Mount Baker Junior High Deming, WA 4.1
West Valley City School Spokane, WA 3.7
Kiona-Benton City Middle School Benton City, WA 3.6
Finley Middle School Kennewick, WA 4.4
Omak Middle School Omak, WA 3.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Kalama Middle School

What grades does Kalama Middle School serve?

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

How many students attend Kalama Middle School?

Kalama Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 246 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Kalama Middle School is 15.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Kalama Middle School rank in WA?

Kalama Middle School ranks #2,056 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Kalama Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Kalama Middle 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 Kalama Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Kalama Middle School has 41% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 55% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Kalama Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Kalama Middle School a Title I school?

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

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

41.1% of students at Kalama 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
47 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
20 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
246
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
41.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Cowlitz County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
34.1%

District

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

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