Serving 11 students in grades Prekindergarten-12, Special Services ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is <50% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 11 students
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: <50% (Top 1% in WA)
- Math Proficiency: <50% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Special Services ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Special Services's student population of 11 students has declined by 71% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
11 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
n/a
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
School Motto
'Every Student. Every Day.'
School Rankings
The diversity score of Special Services is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)<50%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
n/a
16:1
American Indian
9%
1%
Asian
n/a
9%
Hispanic
9%
26%
Black
27%
5%
White
55%
48%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
n/a
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(17-18)<50%
88%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (20-21)
3%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Special Services often compared to?
Special Servicesis often viewed alongside schools like New Market High School, Oakland High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
<50% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Special Services?
The graduation rate of Special Services is 50%, which is lower than the Washington state average of 88%.
How many students attend Special Services?
11 students attend Special Services.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Special Services students are White, 27% of students are Black, 9% of students are American Indian, and 9% of students are Hispanic.
What grades does Special Services offer ?
Special Services offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Special Services part of?
Special Services is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Special Services located?
Special Services is located in the New Tacoma neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 9 other public schools located in New Tacoma.
School Reviews
Review Special Services. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
