Serving 343 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Barnes Elementary 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 25-29% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 343 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Barnes Elementary School's student population of 343 students has grown by 23% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has declined by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
343 students
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Campus Size
50 acres
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Barnes Elementary 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 Barnes Elementary School is 0.56, 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
#1653 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
9%
Hispanic
26%
27%
Black
n/a
5%
White
61%
47%
Hawaiian
7%
2%
Two or more races
5%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)49.9%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
12%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wild Boars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barnes Elementary School's ranking?
Barnes Elementary School is ranked #1653 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Barnes Elementary School often compared to?
Barnes Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Castle Rock Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Barnes Elementary School?
343 students attend Barnes Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Barnes Elementary School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Hawaiian, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Barnes Elementary School?
Barnes Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Barnes Elementary School offer ?
Barnes Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Barnes Elementary School part of?
Barnes Elementary School is part of Kelso School District.
School Reviews
Review Barnes Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
