Located northwest of Spokane, 65.5 square mile Nine Mile Falls School District follows both sides of the Spokane River (which is dammed to create Lake Spokane, aka Long Lake) approximately 30 meandering miles from Seven Mile Road on its southern boundary to Scoop Mountain on the northern edge. Spokane and Stevens County residents are served by the District, which has grown from 60 students in 1960 to just over 1700 in the 2006 school year. There are about 4000 homes in the Nine Mile Falls School District.

Growth in the District has boomed due to residential housing developments on both sides of the lake and annexation of about 20 additional square miles in the Tum Tum area. Nine Mile Falls is considered a “bedroom community,” with lake access. Many residential lots are one acre or more and allow horses, orchards, etc. Families are attracted to Nine Mile Falls for its rural character, the recreational opportunities of 26 mile long Lake Spokane (Long Lake), access to five major ski areas, and the proximity of Spokane, with is employment opportunities and cultural amenities.

There are no incorporated towns within the District. Small businesses, farms, and forests add to the diversity of family choices. The school district is the largest employer, and also meets many of the community’s recreational needs through extra curricular programs.