For the 2026 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
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
Gr: K-5 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
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
Gr: 8-12 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 488 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
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
Gr: 9-12 | 1,024 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
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
Gr: PK-5 | 346 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
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
Gr: 6-8 | 771 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: n/an/a
12223 S A Street
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4675
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4675
Gr: PK | 242 students Student-teacher ratio: 30:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
98444, Washington Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: 9-12
New Pathways Storefront School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
11110 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Gr: 7-12 | 129 students Minority enrollment: 21%
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).
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