Ponderay’s public schools outscore 76% of Idaho districts
In Ponderay, 50% of tested students are proficient in math, above the Idaho average (42%). The grade covers the public school district serving Ponderay, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Idaho, not nationally.
From Idaho state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Ponderay’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 85 Idaho towns with household incomes within a quarter of Ponderay’s, its schools beat 88%, higher than their 76% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 61% and math 50% in spring 2022, against 55% and 42% statewide; 86% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 81%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,207 per student, against $11,119 across Idaho (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Eight elementary schools, then three middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. Enrollment is up 9% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Sandpoint Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Ponderay’s grade
A−: better than 76% of Idaho school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the Idaho average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Ponderay, with each school’s own grade.
7th grade in Ponderay · depends on your address
Sandpoint Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 499 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School
Grades 7–12 · 134 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Clark Fork
Lposd Home School Academy
Grades K–8 · 4 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
8th grade in Ponderay · depends on your address
Sandpoint Middle School
Grades 7–8 · 499 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School
Grades 7–12 · 134 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Clark Fork
Lposd Home School Academy
Grades K–8 · 4 students · 4:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
9th grade in Ponderay · depends on your address
Sandpoint High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,000 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School
Grades 7–12 · 134 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Clark Fork
10th grade in Ponderay · depends on your address
Sandpoint High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,000 students · 17:1 students per teacher · in Sandpoint
Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School
Grades 7–12 · 134 students · 18:1 students per teacher · in Clark Fork
Ponderay’s public schools are run by Lake Pend Oreille School District 84, which also serves Clark Fork, Dover, East Hope and Hope and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Ponderay vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Idaho towns that share Ponderay’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Ponderay | A− | Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 |
| Sandpoint | A− | Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 |
| Kootenai | A− | Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 |
All 2 neighbors share Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 with Ponderay, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Ponderay
12 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Idaho’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Ponderay’s schools
Are Ponderay’s schools good?
By Idaho’s own tests, yes: the public schools Ponderay children attend outscore 76% of Idaho’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 88%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Ponderay in?
Lake Pend Oreille School District 84, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,653 students in 13 schools (2024–25).
Where do Ponderay kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Sandpoint High School and Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High School.
What is Ponderay’s graduation rate?
86% of the class of 2023 in Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 graduated in four years, against 81% across Idaho.
How much does Ponderay spend per student?
$13,207 in Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 (FY2024), against $11,119 across Idaho. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Ponderay?
Yes: Sandpoint Christian School (religious, grades PK–8, 150 students).
Parents talk
What Ponderay families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Ponderay → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Idaho. Stars are from neighbors.