Olympic Elementary School

Olympic Elementary sits in Longview, a working-class river city in southwest Washington where the Cowlitz meets the Columbia — a place with deep roots in the timber industry and a tight-knit community feel. The school's science scores stand out relative to its English and math performance, which may appeal to families whose kids thrive in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Families considering Olympic should know that Longview's affordability and slower pace of life can be a real draw, though they may want to stay closely involved in their child's academic progress to supplement where the school has room to grow.