- Park Orchard Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 454 students
- Vicki I. Groff Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 413 students
- Peninsula Elementary — Grades K–5 · 383 students
- Longview Elementary — Grades K–5 · 368 students
- Sage Point Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 334 students
- Garden Heights Elementary — Grades K–5 · 324 students
- Lakeview Terrace Elementary — Grades K–5 · 303 students
- Larson Heights Elementary — Grades K–5 · 292 students
- Knolls Vista Elementary — Grades K–5 · 282 students
- North Elementary — Grades K–5 · 277 students
- Midway Elementary — Grades K–5 · 222 students
- Moses Lake Early Learning Center — Grades PK–PK · 221 students
- Columbia Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 875 students
- Frontier Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 690 students
- Endeavor Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 270 students
- Moses Lake High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,856 students
- Vanguard Academy — Grades 9–12 · 387 students
- MLSD Open Doors Re-Engagement Program — Grades 9–12 · 67 students
- Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center — Grades 10–12 · 53 students
- Digital Learning Center — Grades 6–12 · 359 students
with district
| Metric | Moses Lake School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 16 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
About Moses Lake School District
Zip code 98837 in Moses Lake, Washington is served by Moses Lake School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K – 13. This page provides a data-driven overview of Moses Lake School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Moses Lake School District spends approximately $14,700 per student per year, placing it near the Washington state average of approximately $14,500 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 16 schools serving grades Pre-K – 13, Moses Lake School District qualifies as a large district serving students from Pre-K – 13. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Moses Lake School District ranks among Washington’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Washington is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Moses Lake School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Washington benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 98837
Children in zip code 98837 are assigned to Moses Lake School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 13. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 98837, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Moses Lake School District at (509)766-2650 or visit www.mlsd161.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Washington districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Moses Lake
For families considering a purchase in the Moses Lake area, district assignment matters financially. Because Moses Lake School District serves zip code 98837, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 98837. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Washington, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Moses Lake School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 98837.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Moses Lake School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 98837 data.