For the 2025 school year, there are 114 public schools serving 55,455 students in Tacoma, WA (there are 28 private schools, serving 5,775 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in Tacoma, WA are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Tacoma, WA are Lowell Elementary School, Browns Point Elementary School and Washington Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tacoma, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the Washington public school average of 40%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Tacoma have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Tacoma, WA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
810 Mr. Dahl Dr
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-7200
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-7200
Grades: K-5
| 333 students
Rank: #22.
Browns Point Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
1526 51st St Ne
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-7600
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-7600
Grades: K-5
| 418 students
Rank: #33.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2615 N. Adams Street
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Grades: PK-5
| 359 students
Rank: #44.
Sherman Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4415 N 38th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5488
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5488
Grades: K-5
| 424 students
Rank: #55.
University Place Primary
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2708 W Grandview Dr
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Grades: PK-4
| 520 students
Rank: #66.
Science And Math Institute
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5501 N. Pearl St, Tacoma
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2300
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2300
Grades: 9-12
| 604 students
Rank: #77.
Narrows View Intermediate
(Math: 64% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7813 44th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5630
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5630
Grades: 5-7
| 696 students
Rank: #88.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4302 North 13th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Grades: PK-5
| 323 students
Rank: #99.
Curtis Senior High School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8425 40th W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5710
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5710
Grades: 10-12
| 1,303 students
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Beachwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8890 Concord Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Grades: PK-5
| 411 students
Rank: #10 - 1110. - 11.
Downing Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5130 N. 26th Street
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Grades: PK-5
| 283 students
Rank: #1212.
Grant Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2510 N 11th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-5400
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-5400
Grades: K-5
| 376 students
Rank: #1313.
Evergreen Primary
(Math: 60% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7102 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Grades: PK-4
| 538 students
Rank: #1414.
Sunset Primary
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4523 97th Ave W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5640
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5640
Grades: PK-4
| 545 students
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Crescent Heights Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4110 Nassau Ave Ne
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-5500
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-5500
Grades: PK-5
| 496 students
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Meriwether Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10285 Compass Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5200
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5200
Grades: PK-5
| 260 students
Rank: #15 - 1715. - 17.
Point Defiance Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
4330 N Visscher St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-6900
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-6900
Grades: K-5
| 300 students
Rank: #1818.
Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 57%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
16720 Waller Rd E
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-3000
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-3000
Grades: K-5
| 600 students
Rank: #1919.
Tacoma Open Doors
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: 80-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3270
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3270
Grades: 9-12
| 307 students
Rank: #2020.
Industrial Design Engineering And Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6701 S Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-7906
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-7906
Grades: 9-12
| 382 students
Rank: #2121.
Stadium High School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
111 N E St
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-3100
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-3100
Grades: 9-12
| 1,609 students
Rank: #2222.
Mason Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3901 N 28th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-7000
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-7000
Grades: 6-8
| 608 students
Rank: #2323.
Fife High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 76%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
5616 20th St E
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1100
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1100
Grades: 10-12
| 864 students
Rank: #2424.
Rainier Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2410 Stryker Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Grades: PK-5
| 620 students
Rank: #2525.
Curtis Junior High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3725 Grandview Drive West
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5670
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5670
Grades: 8-9
| 891 students
Rank: #2626.
Dr. Dolores Silas High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1202 N Orchard St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-6000
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-6000
Grades: 9-12
| 1,136 students
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Geiger Montessori School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7401 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 571-6800
Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 571-6800
Grades: PK-5
| 515 students
Rank: #27 - 2827. - 28.
Whittier Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
777 Elm Tree Ln
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 571-7500
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 571-7500
Grades: PK-3
| 320 students
Rank: #2929.
Tcc Fresh Start
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: ≥90% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
601 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1033
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1033
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
N.e. Tacoma Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5412 29th St Ne
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-6933
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-6933
Grades: PK-5
| 395 students
Rank: #30 - 3130. - 31.
Skyline Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6301 N. 23rd St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7800
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7800
Grades: PK-5
| 372 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
The School At Pearl Youth Residence
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
815 South Pearl Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 396-5937
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 396-5937
Grades: 6-12
| 23 students
Rank: #32 - 3332. - 33.
Special Services
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 S. 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1224
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1224
Grades: PK-12
| 11 students
Rank: #3434.
Clover Creek Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
16715 36th Avenue East
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-7800
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-7800
Grades: K-5
| 635 students
Rank: #3535.
Lyon Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
101 E 46th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4800
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4800
Grades: PK-5
| 344 students
Show 79 more public schools in Tacoma, WA (out of 114 total schools)
Loading...
Tacoma, Washington Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Centro Latino High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Grades: 9-10
| 14 students
Chs Drop-out Reengagement Program Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
8425 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
South Divison And Liggett
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Grades: PK-5
| 340 students
Curtis Bridge Program High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
8805 40th St W. Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Grades: 9-12
| 47 students
Day Reporting School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Grades: 9-12
| 9 students
1301 E. 34th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Grades: 6-8
| 160 students
Gates Open Doors Program High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
813 132nd St. S.
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4000
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4000
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
1115 E Division Ln
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Grades: 6-8
| 341 students
714 S 27th St
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Grades: 9-12
| 33 students
North Division And Idaho Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Grades: PK-5
| 337 students
Home Based (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
601 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Grades: PK-12
| 242 students
2601 S 35th St Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98409
(866) 800-0017
Tacoma, WA 98409
(866) 800-0017
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Learning Opportunity Center (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
5802 20th St East
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Grades: 10-12
| 34 students
1801 E 56th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Grades: 6-8
| 392 students
3702 East Mckinley Ave
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Grades: PK-5
| n/a students
Metro Parks Program High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Grades: 9-11
| 12 students
New Pathways Storefront School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
11110 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Grades: 7-12
| 129 students
Northwest School Of Innovative Learning (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1321 Martin Luter King Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 945-2000
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 945-2000
Grades: 9
| 1 students
Oakland Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
3319 S Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Grades: 9-12
| 290 students
Oakland Altr. High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
3319 S Adams
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Grades: 9-12
| 156 students
Park Avenue Center (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
6701 South Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-2600
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-2600
Grades: K-12
| 32 students
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-3273
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-3273
Grades: 9-12
| 196 students
Region V Learning Ce (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
1818 Tacoma Ave So
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-2191
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-2191
Grades: 9-11
| 36 students
4415 N 38th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2255
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2255
Grades: PK-5
| 335 students
Soar Academy Public Charter School (Closed 2020)
Charter School
1301 E 34th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 444-6759
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 444-6759
Grades: K-8
| 220 students
Soar Ale School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2136 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
(509) 258-4534
Tacoma, WA 98405
(509) 258-4534
Grades: K-8
| n/a students
Summit Olympus Ale School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
409 Puyallup Ave
Tacoma, WA 98421
(509) 258-4534
Tacoma, WA 98421
(509) 258-4534
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Tacoma Online (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
6501 N.23rd St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 948-6398
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 948-6398
Grades: K-12
| 1,655 students
Trans Prog @ Oakland High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-2645
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-2645
Grades: 9-12
| 23 students
University Place Special Education (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
3717 Grandview Drive W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Urban League Tlc High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Grades: 9-12
| 10 students
Washington Virtual Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2601 S. 35th St., Ste. 100
Tacoma, WA 98407
(866) 548-9444
Tacoma, WA 98407
(866) 548-9444
Grades: K-12
| n/a students
Wava High School (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
2601 S 35th Street Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 964-1068
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 964-1068
Grades: 9-12
| 335 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Tacoma, WA?
The top ranked public schools in Tacoma, WA include Lowell Elementary School, Browns Point Elementary School and Washington Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Tacoma?
114 public schools are located in Tacoma.
What percentage of students in Tacoma go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Tacoma are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Tacoma?
Tacoma public schools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Tacoma are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Tacoma include: Perry G Keithley Middle School vs. Morris Ford Middle School, Morris Ford Middle School vs. Perry G Keithley Middle School, Geiger Montessori School vs. Bryant Montessori School
Recent Articles
What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.
10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.
February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.
