Castle Rock Middle School

Castle Rock is a small, tight-knit logging town along the Cowlitz River in southwest Washington, and the middle school here reflects that close community feel — kids tend to know each other well, and the school has a genuine small-town warmth to it. Academically, scores currently sit below state averages across English, math, and science, so families who prioritize strong academic outcomes may want to look closely at how the school supports their child's growth. That said, for families already rooted in Castle Rock who value community connection and a slower-paced, rural upbringing over competitive academics, this can still be a meaningful place to grow up.