For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 1,049 students in Columbia County, WA.
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA are Dayton High School, Dayton Middle School and Starbuck School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dayton High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
614 S Third Street
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 9-12 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Dayton Middle School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 6-8 | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Starbuck School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
717 Tucannon St
Starbuck, WA 99359
(509) 399-2381
Starbuck, WA 99359
(509) 399-2381
Gr: K-8 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Dayton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
302 E Park
Dayton, WA 99328
(206) 382-2507
Dayton, WA 99328
(206) 382-2507
Gr: PK-5 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: n/an/a
Dayton School District Alternative Program
Alternative School
614 S 3rd St
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Dayton, WA 99328
(509) 382-4775
Gr: 9-12 | 13 students Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
Virtual Preparatory Academy Of Washington
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
717 Tucannon St.
Starbuck, WA 99359
(888) 858-0470
Starbuck, WA 99359
(888) 858-0470
Gr: K-12 | 748 students Minority enrollment: 49%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA?
The top-ranked public schools in Columbia County, WA include Dayton High School, Dayton Middle School and Starbuck School.
How many public schools are located in Columbia County?
6 public schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the Washington public schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
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