Kelso High School is a public high school in Kelso, Washington, United States.
Serving 1,390 students in grades 9-12, Kelso High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 71% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,390 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 30% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 58% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Kelso High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Kelso High School's student population of 1,390 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,390 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
White, Royal blue, Gold
School Motto
The mission of Kelso Public Schools is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.
School Rankings
Kelso High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Kelso High School is 0.48, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1167 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
58%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
9%
Hispanic
20%
27%
Black
n/a
5%
White
69%
47%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
6%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Kelso School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hilanders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kelso High School's ranking?
Kelso High School is ranked #1167 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Kelso High School often compared to?
Kelso High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like R A Long High School, Mark Morris High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 71% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Kelso High School?
The graduation rate of Kelso High School is 91%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Kelso High School?
1,390 students attend Kelso High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Kelso High School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Kelso High School?
Kelso High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Kelso High School offer ?
Kelso High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Kelso High School part of?
Kelso High School is part of Kelso School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Most of your reportings seem to be off. Kelso High School has made many changes for the better in the last 2 years. My Son attends there and he has been quided since 8th grade to be on track to graduate with his High School diploma and a Associates Degree which he will follow up with attending WSU Veterinary School. He toured with his 9th grade class last year and it confirmed his choice of WSU that he has had for years. I don't hear a lot of any other high schools having this type of programs. It's a great school in a great community that care about Kelso kids.
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