La Conner Middle

La Conner is a charming, artsy waterfront town tucked along the Swinomish Channel in Skagit County, known for its galleries, tulip fields, and tight-knit community feel — but families considering La Conner Middle School should go in with clear eyes, as its academic scores sit in the lower quarter of Washington middle schools across English, math, and science. That said, the school's small size means students are far from anonymous, and the surrounding area offers a genuinely beautiful and culturally rich place to grow up. Families who value a close community and are prepared to supplement academics at home may find the overall La Conner experience worth it.