For the 2025 school year, there are 282 public schools serving 143,335 students in Pierce County, WA (there are , serving 11,830 private students). 92% of all K-12 students in Pierce County, WA are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
The top ranked public schools in Pierce County, WA are Mountain Meadow Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School and Tehaleh Heights Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pierce County, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Pierce County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public school average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Pierce County (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mountain Meadow Elementary School
(Math: 81% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
11812 Mundy Loss Rd
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-3356
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-3356
Gr: 1-5 | 402 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #22.
Lowell Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
810 Mr. Dahl Dr
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-7200
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 571-7200
Gr: K-5 | 333 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Tehaleh Heights Elementary School
(Math: 79% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
17520 Berkeley Parkway East
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 891-6530
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 891-6530
Gr: PK-5 | 497 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #44.
Steilacoom High School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
54 Sentinel Drive
Steilacoom, WA 98388
(253) 983-2300
Steilacoom, WA 98388
(253) 983-2300
Gr: 9-12 | 964 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #55.
Browns Point Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
1526 51st St Ne
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-7600
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-7600
Gr: K-5 | 418 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #66.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2615 N. Adams Street
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 359 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #77.
Narrows View Intermediate
(Math: 70% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
7813 44th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5630
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5630
Gr: 5-7 | 696 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4302 North 13th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Gr: PK-5 | 323 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #8 - 98. - 9.
University Place Primary
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2708 W Grandview Dr
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Gr: PK-4 | 520 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #1010.
Artondale Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6219 40th Street Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1100
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1100
Gr: PK-5 | 391 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #1111.
Voyager Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
10615 Kopachuck Dr Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-4800
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-4800
Gr: K-5 | 468 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Discovery Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4905 Rosedale St Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1200
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1200
Gr: K-5 | 358 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #12 - 1312. - 13.
Maple Lawn Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
230 Wood Ave
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4400
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4400
Gr: PK-5 | 603 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #1414.
Beachwood Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8890 Concord Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 411 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #1515.
Dieringer Heights Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
21727 34th Street E.
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 826-4937
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 826-4937
Gr: PK-5 | 480 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1616.
Sherman Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4415 N 38th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5488
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5488
Gr: K-5 | 424 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1717.
Lake Tapps Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1320 178th Avenue E.
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 862-6600
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 862-6600
Gr: 1-3 | 450 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #1818.
Carbonado Historical School 19
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
427 4th St
Carbonado, WA 98323
(360) 829-0121
Carbonado, WA 98323
(360) 829-0121
Gr: PK-8 | 188 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #1919.
Swift Water Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10811 Harbor Hill Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-4900
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-4900
Gr: K-5 | 514 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #2020.
Purdy Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
13815 62nd Ave Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-4600
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-4600
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #2121.
Harbor Heights Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4002 36th St Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1800
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-1800
Gr: PK-5 | 420 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #2222.
Emerald Hills Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
19515 S Tapps Dr E
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4750
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4750
Gr: K-5 | 548 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #2323.
Bonney Lake Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
18715 80th St E
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4450
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4450
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #2424.
Fruitland Elementary School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1515 Fruitland Ave
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 841-8734
Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 841-8734
Gr: K-6 | 574 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #2525.
Pioneer Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8402 Skansie Ave
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-3500
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 530-3500
Gr: K-5 | 494 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Crestwood Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
3914 W Tapps Dr E
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4550
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 891-4550
Gr: PK-5 | 417 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Downing Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5130 N. 26th Street
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Gr: PK-5 | 283 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #26 - 2826. - 28.
Shaw Road Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1106 Shaw Rd
Puyallup, WA 98372
(253) 841-8675
Puyallup, WA 98372
(253) 841-8675
Gr: K-6 | 616 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #2929.
Drum Intermediate
(Math: 57% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4909 79th Avenue W
University Place, WA 98467
(253) 566-5660
University Place, WA 98467
(253) 566-5660
Gr: 5-7 | 633 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #3030.
Kopachuck Middle School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10414 56th St Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-4100
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
(253) 530-4100
Gr: 6-8 | 479 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #3131.
Evergreen Primary
(Math: 66% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7102 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Gr: PK-4 | 538 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #3232.
North Tapps Middle School
(Math: 58% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
20029 12th Street E.
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 862-2776
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
(253) 862-2776
Gr: 6-8 | 509 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #3333.
Curtis Senior High School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 82%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8425 40th W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5710
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5710
Gr: 10-12 | 1,303 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #3434.
Grant Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2510 N 11th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-5400
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-5400
Gr: K-5 | 376 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #35 - 3835. - 38.
Chambers Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
9101 56th Ave W
University Place, WA 98467
(253) 566-5650
University Place, WA 98467
(253) 566-5650
Gr: K-4 | 480 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Show 100 more public schools in Pierce County, WA (out of 282 total schools)
Loading...
Pierce County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
10026 204th St East
Graham, WA 98338
(253) 683-6000
Graham, WA 98338
(253) 683-6000
Gr: K-6 | 45 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 45:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Centro Latino High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-10 | 14 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Chs Drop-out Reengagement Program Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
8425 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Gr: 9-12
South Divison And Liggett
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Gr: PK-5 | 340 students Minority enrollment: 49%
Collins Alternative Programs (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
27515 120th St E
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-1182
Buckley, WA 98321
(360) 829-1182
Gr: 4-12
Curtis Bridge Program High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
8805 40th St W. Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Gr: 9-12 | 47 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Day Reporting School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
1301 E. 34th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Gr: 6-8 | 160 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Eatonville Developmenal Pre-school (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
213 Rainier Ave N
Eatonville, WA 98328
(360) 879-1812
Eatonville, WA 98328
(360) 879-1812
Gr: PK
1304 17th Avenue
Milton, WA 98354
(253) 517-1400
Milton, WA 98354
(253) 517-1400
Gr: 2-5 | 603 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Futures Program Elementary School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
510 Chambers Street
Steilacoom, WA 98388
(253) 583-7100
Steilacoom, WA 98388
(253) 583-7100
Gr: 11-12 | 10 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
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
1115 E Division Ln
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Gr: 6-8 | 341 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
714 S 27th St
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Gr: 9-12 | 33 students Minority enrollment: 60%
North Division And Idaho Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 337 students Minority enrollment: 58%
22015 22nd Ave E
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 683-6931
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 683-6931
Gr: PK | 19 students Minority enrollment: 42%
1311 172nd St E
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 683-6931
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 683-6931
Gr: PK | 19 students Minority enrollment: 52%
4010 Woodbrook Dr Sw
Lakewood, WA 98439
(253) 589-7765
Lakewood, WA 98439
(253) 589-7765
Gr: PK-5 | 304 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Henderson Bay Hall Program (Closed 2007)
Alternative School
14015 62nd Ave Nw
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 858-5560
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
(253) 858-5560
Gr: K-8 | 23 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Home Based (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
601 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Gr: PK-12 | 242 students Minority enrollment: 13%
I-school High School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
12171 Pacific Ave
Puyallup, WA 98373
(253) 537-0211
Puyallup, WA 98373
(253) 537-0211
Gr: 7-12 | 42 students Minority enrollment: 26%
Instructional Support Team High School (Closed 2009)
Special Education School
516 E 176th Street
Spanaway, WA 98387
(206) 536-7272
Spanaway, WA 98387
(206) 536-7272
Gr: PK | 2 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
8800 121st Sw
Lakewood, WA 98498
(253) 583-5300
Lakewood, WA 98498
(253) 583-5300
Gr: PK-5 | 223 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Lakewood Career Academy (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
5214 Steilacoom Blvd Sw
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 583-5390
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 583-5390
Gr: 9-12 | 61 students Minority enrollment: 69%
Learning Opportunity Center (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
5802 20th St East
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Gr: 10-12 | 34 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
1801 E 56th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
3702 East Mckinley Ave
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Gr: PK-5
Metro Parks Program High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-11 | 12 students Minority enrollment: 33%
Show 39 more closed public schools in Pierce County, WA (out of 74 total schools)
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Pierce County, WA?
The top ranked public schools in Pierce County, WA include Mountain Meadow Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School and Tehaleh Heights Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Pierce County?
282 public schools are located in Pierce County.
What percentage of students in Pierce County go to public school?
92% of all K-12 students in Pierce County are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Pierce County?
Pierce County public schools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public schools average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Pierce County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Pierce County include: Peninsula High School vs. Gig Harbor High School, Drum Intermediate vs. Narrows View Intermediate, Narrows View Intermediate vs. Drum Intermediate
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
