Gause Elementary

Washougal sits along the Columbia River Gorge in Clark County, offering that small-town Pacific Northwest feel with easy access to both Portland and the great outdoors — it's the kind of place where families trade city hustle for hiking trails and river views. Gause Elementary lands in the middle of the pack statewide, with science scores outpacing its English and math performance, which might appeal to families who value hands-on learning and are open to supplementing academics at home. It's a solid neighborhood school for families drawn to Washougal's tight-knit community and natural surroundings, especially those who plan to stay engaged in their kids' day-to-day learning.