Serving 320 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 320 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 320 students has declined by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
320 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
1905
First Day of School
Wed. Sep 3, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 20, 2026
School Mascot
Wildcats
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.77, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#509 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
9%
Hispanic
20%
26%
Black
17%
5%
White
36%
48%
Hawaiian
4%
2%
Two or more races
18%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #509 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Evergreen Primary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
320 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Whittier Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Two or more races, 17% of students are Black, 5% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
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