Benton County Schools & Education
Benton County, Washington
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
50/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,952
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
50/100
Higher = better
State avg 51/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#17
of 39 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Benton County
School Verdict
Benton County has average school quality (score: 50/100) with a graduation rate of 84.8%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
Benton County spends $8,952 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Benton County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 1% below the Washington average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 3.4 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 3% lower than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Benton County, Washington
Robust Infrastructure in the Tri-Cities
Benton County boasts an extensive network of 69 public schools serving over 38,000 students across six districts. The system includes 34 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 17 high schools. This infrastructure supports a rapidly growing population in one of Washington's most dynamic regions.
Exceeding State Averages in Performance
Benton County reports a strong 84.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 81.4%. The per-pupil expenditure of $8,952 is slightly below the state average but supports a high school score of 55.0. This score exceeds both the Washington state average and the national median.
Kennewick and Richland Lead the Way
Kennewick School District is the county's largest with 19,311 students, followed closely by Richland School District with 13,948. Together, these districts manage 56 of the county's 69 schools. No charter schools operate here, as traditional districts dominate the educational landscape.
Urban Hubs with Large Campuses
The county features 44 urban schools and nine suburban campuses, with an average enrollment of 560 students. Richland High School is a regional giant with 2,137 students, creating a classic, high-energy American high school experience. The mix of city and rural locales provides diverse environment choices for families.
Modern Living Near Top Districts
Homes in the Richland and Kennewick districts are highly sought after due to their modern facilities and strong graduation rates. Families often target neighborhoods near Kamiakin High or Hanford High for their academic reputations. Your next home in the Tri-Cities places you in a high-performing educational environment.
School Overview
Total Schools
69
in Benton County
Total Enrollment
38,058
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Benton County
Kennewick School District
Richland School District
Prosser School District
Kiona-Benton City School District
Finley School District
Paterson School District
69 Public Schools in Benton County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richland High School | Richland School District | 9–12 | High | 2,137 |
| Kamiakin High School | Kennewick School District | 9–12 | High | 1,884 |
| Hanford High School | Richland School District | 9–12 | High | 1,788 |
| Kennewick High School | Kennewick School District | 9–12 | High | 1,785 |
| Southridge High School | Kennewick School District | 9–12 | High | 1,641 |
| Desert Hills Middle School | Kennewick School District | 6–8 | Middle | 889 |
| Chinook Middle School | Kennewick School District | 6–8 | Middle | 882 |
| Amistad Elementary School | Kennewick School District | PK–5 | Primary | 866 |
| Prosser High School | Prosser School District | 9–12 | High | 834 |
| Horse Heaven Hills Middle School | Kennewick School District | 6–8 | Middle | 833 |
| Carmichael Middle School | Richland School District | 6–8 | Middle | 807 |
| Leona Libby Middle School | Richland School District | 6–8 | Middle | 800 |
| Highlands Middle School | Kennewick School District | 6–8 | Middle | 750 |
| Amon Creek Elementary | Kennewick School District | PK–5 | Primary | 739 |
| Chief Joseph Middle School | Richland School District | 6–8 | Middle | 697 |
| Enterprise Middle School | Richland School District | 6–8 | Middle | 694 |
| Park Middle School | Kennewick School District | 6–8 | Middle | 692 |
| Three Rivers Home Link | Richland School District | KG–12 | Alternative | 660 |
| Kiona-Benton City Elementary | Kiona-Benton City School District | PK–5 | Primary | 658 |
| Tri-Tech Skills Center | Kennewick School District | 9–12 | Vocational | 629 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,952
State avg $9,250
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Benton County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Benton County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Benton County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Benton County?
How much does Benton County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Benton County, Washington — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Benton County, Washington?
Benton County boasts an extensive network of 69 public schools serving over 38,000 students across six districts. The system includes 34 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 17 high schools. This infrastructure supports a rapidly growing population in one of Washington's most dynamic regions.
How do schools in Benton County perform academically?
Benton County reports a strong 84.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 81.4%. The per-pupil expenditure of $8,952 is slightly below the state average but supports a high school score of 55.0. This score exceeds both the Washington state average and the national median.
What are the major school districts in Benton County, Washington?
Kennewick School District is the county's largest with 19,311 students, followed closely by Richland School District with 13,948. Together, these districts manage 56 of the county's 69 schools. No charter schools operate here, as traditional districts dominate the educational landscape.
What is the school experience like in Benton County?
The county features 44 urban schools and nine suburban campuses, with an average enrollment of 560 students. Richland High School is a regional giant with 2,137 students, creating a classic, high-energy American high school experience. The mix of city and rural locales provides diverse environment choices for families.
How can I find homes near good schools in Benton County, Washington?
Homes in the Richland and Kennewick districts are highly sought after due to their modern facilities and strong graduation rates. Families often target neighborhoods near Kamiakin High or Hanford High for their academic reputations. Your next home in the Tri-Cities places you in a high-performing educational environment.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.