Serving 324 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Gess Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-44% (which is approximately equal to 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 15:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 324 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Gess Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire Chewelah school district, covering approximately 307.7 square miles. Families can typically expect a 15-20 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 10.2 miles to the nearest edge of the zone and a maximum distance of 17.1 miles to the furthest boundary.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Gess Elementary School's student population of 324 students has grown by 26% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
324 students
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
Where Dreams Begin
School Rankings
Gess 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 Gess Elementary School is 0.22, 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
#1306 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
17:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
n/a
9%
Hispanic
6%
27%
Black
1%
5%
White
88%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
3%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.2%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
50%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gess Elementary School's ranking?
Gess Elementary School is ranked #1306 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Gess Elementary School often compared to?
Gess Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Onion Creek Elementary School, Hofstetter Elementary School, Quartzite Learning by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% 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 Gess Elementary School?
324 students attend Gess Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Gess Elementary School students are White, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gess Elementary School?
Gess Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Gess Elementary School offer ?
Gess Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gess Elementary School part of?
Gess Elementary School is part of Chewelah School District.
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