The ranking below is based on the percentage of schools within a county which have placed in the top 10% of all schools statewide.
A school's overall rank is based on its combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking. Schools are ranked and compared within their own state only.
Statewide Range: 26%
26%
Avg. Statewide: 26%
Top-Ranked Counties With Best Public Schools in Washington (2026)
County
% of Schools in
Top 10% Statewide
Top 10% Statewide
Top-Ranked Schools
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
(Math Proficiency % | Reading Proficiency %)
Rank: #11.
26%
(141 out of 537)
(141 out of 537)
- Cascadia Elementary School
Rank: #1 of 2,088 (Top 1%)
(Math: 96% | Reading: 97%) - Stephen Decatur Elementary School
Rank: #3 of 2,088 (Top 1%)
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%) - Nikola Tesla Stem High School
Rank: #4 of 2,088 (Top 1%)
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%) - View Full List of Top-Ranked King County, WA Schools
Recent Articles
Multilingual Learner Growth Models & Accountability
Learn how multilingual learner growth models are reshaping school accountability systems and what it means for public schools in 2026.
School-Based Health Clinics: Funding, Billing, and Student Access
Learn how school-based health clinics are funded, how billing works, and how students access care in public schools.
Outdoor Learning in Urban Schools: Forest School Programs
Explore how urban districts adopt outdoor learning and forest school programs to boost student engagement, well-being, and academic success.
