Washington is the #12 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,102,146 students across the 2,566 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 778 private schools, serving 120,149 students). 90% of all K-12 students in Washington attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Washington is 40%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 53%.
The top-ranked public schools in Washington are Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School, and Nikola Tesla Stem High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 52%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 18:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(WA) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
9%
Hispanic
26%
Black
5%
White
48%
Hawaiian
2%
Two or more races
9%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Washington (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Cascadia Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 98% | Reading: 97%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 98% (Top 1%)
Reading: 97% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
1700 N 90th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Challenge Elementary School
Alternative School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-6
5409 228th St Sw
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Nikola Tesla Stem High School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
4301 228th Ave Ne
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Stephen Decatur Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
7711 43rd Ave Ne
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Rank: #55.
Northstar Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
10903 Ne 53rd St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Rank: #66.
Medina Elementary School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
8001 Ne 8th St.
Medina, WA 98039
(425) 456-5400
Medina, WA 98039
(425) 456-5400
Rank: #77.
Cherry Crest Elementary School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
12400 N.e. 32nd St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Rank: #88.
International Community School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 90% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
11133 Ne 65th St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Rank: #99.
Sunrise Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
14075 172 Av Ne
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 408-5300
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 408-5300
Rank: #1010.
Somerset Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 92%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 92% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
14100 Somerset Boulevard Se
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 456-5800
Bellevue, WA 98006
(425) 456-5800
Best Washington Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: West End (15 schools), West Seattle (14 schools), Highline (12 schools), Northeast Seattle (10 schools), New Tacoma (10 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Washington?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington include Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School, and Nikola Tesla Stem High School.
How many public schools are located in Washington?
2,566 public schools are located in Washington.
What percentage of students in Washington go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Washington attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington?
Minority enrollment in Washington is 52%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Washington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington include: Southwood Elementary School vs. Sunrise Elementary School, Terrace Park Elementary School vs. Challenge Elementary School, Peninsula High School vs. Gig Harbor High School
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