For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public elementary schools serving 281 students in Columbia County, WA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, WA are Dayton Middle School, Starbuck School and Dayton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbia County, WA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the Washington public elementary school average of 43%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 51% statewide average). Elementary schools in Columbia County have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Washington public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public elementary school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Columbia County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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
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 elementary schools in Columbia County, WA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Columbia County, WA include Dayton Middle School, Starbuck School and Dayton Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Columbia County?
3 public elementary schools are located in Columbia County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbia County?
Columbia County public elementary schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public elementary schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.