Serving 451 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Helen Stafford Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 25-29% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 83% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Washington state average of 51% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 451 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 83%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Helen Stafford Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Helen Stafford Elementary School's student population of 451 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
Total Students
451 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Helen Stafford Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Helen Stafford Elementary School is 0.82, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1776 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
23%
9%
Hispanic
26%
26%
Black
14%
5%
White
17%
49%
Hawaiian
7%
1%
Two or more races
12%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
41%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helen Stafford Elementary School's ranking?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is ranked #1776 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Helen Stafford Elementary School often compared to?
Helen Stafford Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fern Hill Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
25-29% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Helen Stafford Elementary School?
451 students attend Helen Stafford Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Helen Stafford Elementary School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Asian, 17% of students are White, 14% of students are Black, 12% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Helen Stafford Elementary School?
Helen Stafford Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Helen Stafford Elementary School offer ?
Helen Stafford Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5
What school district is Helen Stafford Elementary School part of?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Helen Stafford Elementary School located?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is located in the South End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 9 other public schools located in South End.
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