Elementary and High Schools

Excellent describes the 13 school districts operating in Grays Harbor County. The County's districts have 12,605 (2001) students in 39 elementary, middle and high schools. Aberdeen School District was ranked seventh in the nation according to Ratings Guide. In 2002, an Aberdeen High School teacher was chosen Washington State Teacher of the Year and in 2000, Aberdeen's School Superintendent was chosen Washington State Superintendent of the Year. Grays Harbor's teachers and students have often been selected for numerous other state, national and world awards. While few counties can boast a Nobel Award winner as an alumni of their high schools, Grays Harbor has two! Grays Harbor schools are also progressive and innovative. Students in their final two years of high school can attend courses at Grays Harbor College simultaneously with their high school work; occasionally even gaining College Associate degrees concurrent with their High School diplomas. Click enrollment to view schools and enrollment by City.

Grays Harbor College

Grays Harbor College is a two-year community college, founded in 1930 and serving both Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. To better meet the needs of all residents, Grays Harbor College has established satellite learning centers in Elma, Raymond, Ilwaco and the Whiteside Learning Center in Aberdeen. For area residents, enrolling at GHC means receiving quality education at affordable tuition rates. GHC provides:

• strong academic programs resulting in Associate degrees that transfer seamlessly onto four-year colleges and universities.

• strong occupational training programs that focus on current skills demanded in the workplace.

• the opportunity for GHC graduates and others who have completed two years of college to pursue bachelors degrees in one of seven programs through the Washington State University (WSU) Learning Center located on the main GHC campus.

GHC cultivates partnerships with area businesses, community organizations and school districts. Businesses regularly partner with GHC to establish training programs and provide training for their workers. And a popular partnership with the school districts is the World Class Scholars program that motivates area junior high and high school students to focus on earning their high school diplomas and attend courses at the college.

PreSchool and After School

The county offers over 20 child care and preschool centers. In addition, the new $6 million YMCA in Hoquiam provides after school swimming and sporting activities. And the Grays Harbor 4-H and Future Farmers of America conduct a livestock auction of beef, sheep, swine, rabbits, goats and poultry during the Grays Harbor Fair for the purpose of providing an incentive to youth to exhibit and sell quality market stock.