For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 2,481 students in Jefferson County, WA (there are 3 private schools, serving 240 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County, WA are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, WA are Port Townsend High School, Brinnon Elementary School and Partnership For Excellence In Alternative Remote Learning. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Jefferson County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the Washington public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Jefferson County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Jefferson County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Port Townsend High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1500 Van Ness St
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4520
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4520
Grades: 9-12
| 361 students
Rank: #22.
Brinnon Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
46 Schoolhouse Rd
Brinnon, WA 98320
(360) 796-4646
Brinnon, WA 98320
(360) 796-4646
Grades: K-8
| 73 students
Rank: #33.
Partnership For Excellence In Alternative Remote Learning
Alternative School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
294715 Us Highway 101
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Grades: K-8
| 312 students
Rank: #44.
Salish Coast Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1637 Grant St
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4535
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4535
Grades: PK-5
| 459 students
Rank: #55.
Chimacum Junior/senior High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
91 West Valley Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5900
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5900
Grades: 7-12
| 276 students
Rank: #66.
Blue Heron Middle School
(Math: 32% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3939 San Juan Ave
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4540
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4540
Grades: 6-8
| 222 students
Rank: #77.
Chimacum Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
91 West Valley Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5855
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5855
Grades: 2-6
| 243 students
Rank: #88.
Ocean
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
3939 San Juan Ave.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4251
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4251
Grades: K-12
| 128 students
Rank: #99.
Quilcene High And Elementary School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
294715 Highway 101
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Grades: PK-12
| 204 students
Rank: #1010.
Pi Program
Alternative School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
91 West Valley Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5855
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5855
Grades: K-12
| 41 students
Rank: n/an/a
313 Ness Corner Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5820
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5820
Grades: PK-1
| 162 students
Rank: n/an/a
Open Doors Reengagement Program
Alternative School
91 West Valley Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5900
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5900
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Jefferson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
91 West Valley Rd
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5944
Chimacum, WA 98325
(360) 302-5944
Grades: 6-8
| 155 students
Crossroads Community School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
294715 Us Highway 101
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Quilcene, WA 98376
(360) 765-3363
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1919 Blaine Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4530
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 379-4530
Grades: 1-6
| 317 students
Port Townsend Special Education (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
3939 San Juan Ave
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 385-3617
Port Townsend, WA 98368
(360) 385-3617
Grades: PK-12
| 10 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, WA?
The top ranked public schools in Jefferson County, WA include Port Townsend High School, Brinnon Elementary School and Partnership For Excellence In Alternative Remote Learning.
How many public schools are located in Jefferson County?
12 public schools are located in Jefferson County.
What percentage of students in Jefferson County go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Jefferson County are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Jefferson County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Jefferson County include: Salish Coast Elementary School vs. Blue Heron Middle School, Chimacum Junior/senior High School vs. Port Townsend High School, Port Townsend High School vs. Chimacum Junior/senior High School
Recent Articles

Sexual Harassment at Age 6: The Tale of a First Grade Suspension
A six-year old in Aurora, Colorado, was suspended after singing an LMFAO song to a little girl in his class and reportedly “shaking his booty.” We look at the case and the sexual harassment problem in public schools today.

How Scaffolding Could Change the Way Your Child Learns
This article explores the concept of instructional scaffolding, a teaching method that enhances learning by breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. It highlights how scaffolding supports students in developing critical thinking skills and becoming more independent learners. The article discusses the benefits of scaffolding, including improved engagement and reduced anxiety, and provides strategies for its implementation across various educational levels.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.