Mount Rainier High School is a secondary school in Des Moines, Washington, United States; named for Mount Rainier which can be seen quite well from the school on a clear day. Mount Rainier serves approximately 1700 students and has been active since 1957.
Serving 1,889 students in grades 9-12, Mount Rainier High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 26% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 66% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,889 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 10% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mount Rainier High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
School Overview
Mount Rainier High School's student population of 1,889 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,889 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Columbia blue
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Sep 3, 2025
Last Day of School
Sat. Jun 27, 2026
School Rankings
Mount Rainier High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mount Rainier High School is 0.78, 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
#1043 out of 2088 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
13%
9%
Hispanic
35%
26%
Black
15%
5%
White
23%
48%
Hawaiian
4%
2%
Two or more races
9%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ajax The Ram
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Rainier High School's ranking?
Mount Rainier High School is ranked #1043 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Washington.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mount Rainier High School?
The graduation rate of Mount Rainier High School is 94%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Mount Rainier High School?
1,889 students attend Mount Rainier High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Mount Rainier High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 13% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mount Rainier High School?
Mount Rainier High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Mount Rainier High School offer ?
Mount Rainier High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mount Rainier High School part of?
Mount Rainier High School is part of Highline School District.
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