For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 4,934 students in 98444, WA (there are , serving 393 private students). 93% of all K-12 students in 98444, WA are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in 98444, WA are Industrial Design Engineering And Arts, James Sales Elementary School and Gates Secondary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 98444 have an average math proficiency score of 25% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in 98444, WA have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Best 98444, WA Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Industrial Design Engineering And Arts
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6701 S Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-7906
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-7906
Grades: 9-12
| 382 students
Rank: #22.
James Sales Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1301 113th Street S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4205
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4205
Grades: K-5
| 377 students
Rank: #33.
Gates Secondary School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
813 132nd Street S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4005
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4005
Grades: 8-12
| 98 students
Rank: #44.
Collins Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1920 128th Street E
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3405
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3405
Grades: PK-5
| 488 students
Rank: #55.
Fern Hill Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8442 S Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-3888
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-3888
Grades: PK-5
| 287 students
Rank: #66.
Brookdale Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
611 132nd St S.
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3105
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3105
Grades: PK-5
| 487 students
Rank: #77.
Washington High School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
12420 Ainsworth Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4705
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4705
Grades: 9-12
| 1,024 students
Rank: #88.
Helen Stafford Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1615 South 92nd St
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-4300
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-4300
Grades: PK-5
| 432 students
Rank: #99.
Christensen Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
10232 Barnes Lane S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3305
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3305
Grades: PK-5
| 346 students
Rank: #1010.
Perry G Keithley Middle School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
12324 12th Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4307
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4307
Grades: 6-8
| 771 students
Rank: n/an/a
12223 S A Street
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4675
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4675
Grades: PK
| 242 students
Rank: n/an/a
315 129th Street So
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3005
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-3005
Grades: PK
| n/a students
98444, Washington Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 98444, WA?
The top ranked public schools in 98444, WA include Industrial Design Engineering And Arts, James Sales Elementary School and Gates Secondary School.
How many public schools are located in 98444?
12 public schools are located in 98444.
What percentage of students in 98444 go to public school?
93% of all K-12 students in 98444 are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 98444?
98444 public schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
