Kelso High School is a public high school in Kelso, Washington, United States.
Serving 1,379 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 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,379 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- 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 1,379 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 76 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,379 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
76 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 Mascot
Hilanders
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
18:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
9%
Hispanic
21%
26%
Black
n/a
5%
White
69%
48%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
6%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hilanders
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
1,379 students attend Kelso High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Kelso High School students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Hawaiian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Kelso High School?
Kelso High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
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 10/10/2014
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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