Tri-Cities Education
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The region is known for its advances in science and technology,
which have carried over to excellent education opportunities in
each of our local school districts, as well as in the opportunities
of higher education. There are ten public school districts and 12
private schools in the metro area.
2008 Educational Attainment Estimates
(Age 25+ Population)
High School Graduate 27.9%
Some College, No Degree 19.9%
Associates Degree 9.1%
Bachelors Degree 15.5%
Graduate Degree 10.6%
Source: Demographics Now, December 2008
Post Secondary Institutions – Winter/Spring 2008
Number Enrollment
University/College
2 1,455
Community College
1 7,588
Vocational High School
1 875
2007-2008 School Year Teacher/Student Ratio
Kennewick
1:25
Pasco
1:23
Richland
1:25
2007-2008 Average Expenditure Per Pupil
Kennewick $8,194
Pasco $8,228
Richland $8,848
SAT Scores–2008 Graduates
Reading Math Writing
Kennewick School District
515 539 494
Pasco School District
477 456 446
State
Average
522 531 505
National
Average
497 510 488
Verbal Math
Richland School District
521 551
Source: Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland School Districts and
CollegeBoard.com
Public Schools
- Kahlotus School District - Randy Behrens, Superintendent (509) 282-3338
- Kennewick School District - Dave Bond, Superintendent (509) 222-5000
- Finley School District- Suzanne Feeney, Superintendent (509) 586-3217
- Richland School District - Jean Lane, Superintendent (509) 942-2400
- Pasco School District - Saudra L. Hill, Superintendent (509) 543-6700
- Kiona-Benton School District- Rom Castilleja, Superintendent (509) 588-3717
- North Franklin School District - Gregg Taylor, Superintendent (509) 234-2021
- Prosser School District - Dr. Ray Tolcacher, Superintendent (509) 786-3323
Vocational Schools
The Tri-Tech Skills Center (509-222-5005) offers classes for students interested in learning a specific vocational trade. The Center offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to receive skills needed for entry-level jobs while earning a high school diploma.
Private Schools
Several private elementary and secondary schools offer an alternative to the local public school system. These institutions include: St. Patrick’s, Tri-Cities Prep, Faith Christian Academy and Tri-City Junior Academy in Pasco; Bethlehem Lutheran and St. Joseph’s in Kennewick; and Christ the King and Liberty Christian School in Richland. These private schools enroll more than 2000 students each year.
Columbia Basin College
Columbia Basin College (CBC – 509-547-0511) offers its 7500 students a full array of Associate Degree and Vocational/Technical career programs.The College works closely with regional employers to develop specific programs needed to train prospective workers for area businesses. The Workforce Training Center houses 120 computer work stations and provides state-of-the-art training customized to an employer’s needs.
Washington State University
Washington State University’s-Tri-Cities (WSU-TC – 509-372-7000) branch campus provides its 1200 students the opportunity to acquire undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of programs. WSU-TC recently expanded it Tri-City facility to include a Consolidated Information Center (CIC), merging the Department of Energy’s Technical Library with WSU’s existing library to provide public access to years of technical research and knowledge.The University’s long-term vision shows continued expansion.
Mid-Columbia Education Alliance
A non-profit partnership supported by business, community and educational leaders in the Mid-Columbia region, MCEA works to increase public awareness and understanding about Washington's efforts to improve the quality of education for all students.
For more information, please contact:
Executive Director
201 Greenbriar West
Richland, WA 99352
509 737-9102
www.esd123.wednet.edu/mcea