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Custer Elementary School

Summary:

Custer Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lakewood, Washington, serving 299 students in grades PK-5. The school is part of the Clover Park School District, which is ranked 183 out of 247 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Custer Elementary has a diverse student population, with a higher percentage of minority students compared to the state average. However, the school's academic performance, as measured by state assessments, is generally below the state and district averages. In the 2023-2024 school year, Custer's proficiency rates in English Language Arts (43.68%), Math (33.33%), and Science (29.63%) were all lower than the state averages. The school also has a high percentage of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with 81.61% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Custer Elementary has consistently ranked in the bottom quarter of Washington elementary schools, with a ranking of 853 out of 1,168 schools in the 2023-2024 school year and a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Compared to nearby schools in the Clover Park School District, such as Idlewild Elementary, Oakbrook Elementary, and Dower Elementary, Custer Elementary's academic performance is generally lower, with these schools having higher proficiency rates and overall rankings. However, Custer's male students and low-socioeconomic status students perform better than the overall student population, and the school has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, which could be a potential strength.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 7801 Steilacoom Blvd SW
       Lakewood, WA  98498-6198

(253) 583-5230

District: Clover Park School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
853rd of 1,168 Washington Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $22,984 Help


Students who attend Custer Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Hudtloff Middle School
High:    General William H. Harrison Preparatory School
    Lakes High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.1 Help
Number of students:  299

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
28.4%
Two or more races:
19.7%
White:
19.1%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  81.6% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Custer Elementary School ranks worse than 73% of elementary schools in Washington. It also ranks 9th among 16 ranked elementary schools in the Clover Park School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 27.92. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Custer Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (28.4%), two or more races (19.7%), White (19.1%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 81.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Custer Elementary School is 15.1. 8 elementary schools in the Clover Park School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Custer Elementary School employs 19.7 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Custer Elementary School is $22,984, which is the 2nd highest among 16 elementary schools in the Clover Park School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Custer Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Custer Elementary School 853rd of 1168 Washington public elementary schools. (See Custer Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:


Clover Park School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Clover Park School District 183rd of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Custer Elementary School?

Rank History for Custer Elementary School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Custer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 47.77 550th 1026 46.4%
2005 16.52 907th 1031 12.0%
2006 25.99 846th 1051 19.5%
2007 30.99 788th 1069 26.3%
2008 37.47 709th 1067 33.6%
2009 34.48 761st 1072 29.0%
2010 28.63 848th 1088 22.1%
2011 33.67 798th 1092 26.9%
2012 17.43 979th 1097 10.8%
2013 29.92 846th 1106 23.5%
2015 17.74 924th 1067 13.4%
2016 46.85 573rd 1053 45.6%
2017 9.29 997th 1056 5.6%
2019 17.98 957th 1130 15.3%
2021 20.09 886th 1107 20.0%
2022 25.89 887th 1169 24.1%
2023 27.63 862nd 1169 26.3%
2024 27.92 853rd 1168 27.0%
See the entire list of Washington Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Custer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 42.03 604th 979 38.3%
2021 44.37 444th 854 48.0%
2022 41.45 610th 1019 40.1%
2023 44.06 575th 1013 43.2%
2024 44.23 591st 1024 42.3%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Custer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 29.96 748th 1004 25.5%
2019 24.31 863rd 1068 19.2%
2021 14.06 923rd 1008 8.4%
2022 23.04 892nd 1100 18.9%
2023 21.10 893rd 1094 18.4%
2024 31.18 768th 1093 29.7%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Custer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 13.61 913th 999 8.6%
2019 14.12 965th 1075 10.2%
2021 31.44 689th 1025 32.8%
2022 31.21 766th 1113 31.2%
2023 33.39 738th 1099 32.8%
2024 39.37 663rd 1099 39.7%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Custer Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 22.35 696th 833 16.4%
2019 6.38 1001st 1027 2.5%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Custer Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 
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Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Monday, July 13, 2020

Open Quote We had to take our kids out of Custer because of Bullying and Racism. The Principal don’t care about the kids. Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Open Quote My daughters have been attending Custer since day one of Kindergarten. My older is now a 5th grader and I also have a 1st grader and they BOTH LOVE IT! All the staff, from principals and teachers, to custodians and receptionist, they are all AMAZING! You can tell they all care about the well being and safety of the children along with ensuring that they are getting the education they need and deserve. I would not hesitate to enroll kids here and would recommend it to anyone and have nothing but kind words about the school and staff!!! Love my Custer Family Close Quote



Enrollment information for Custer Elementary School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 173 50 26 17 7 n/a n/a 0 273
1989 209 56 16 18 8 n/a n/a 0 307
1990 203 46 14 17 10 n/a n/a 0 290
1991 204 49 24 20 8 n/a n/a 0 305
1992 275 87 41 25 11 n/a n/a 0 439
1993 210 51 31 25 6 n/a n/a 0 323
1994 224 56 35 18 6 n/a n/a 0 339
1995 288 72 37 20 7 n/a n/a 0 424
1996 288 72 37 20 7 n/a n/a 0 424
1997 211 63 24 21 7 n/a n/a 0 326
1998 223 66 23 24 24 n/a n/a 0 360
1999 224 72 25 36 2 n/a n/a 0 359
2000 218 84 38 42 0 n/a n/a 0 382
2001 179 62 23 34 4 n/a n/a 0 302
2002 182 84 38 45 3 n/a n/a 0 352
2003 182 84 38 45 3 n/a n/a 0 352
2004 183 79 28 54 11 n/a n/a 0 355
2005 166 68 28 53 12 n/a n/a 0 327
2006 192 86 27 60 11 n/a n/a 1 377
2007 168 65 32 50 6 n/a n/a 4 325
2008 168 71 31 46 6 n/a n/a 7 329
2009 146 74 24 39 5 n/a n/a 16 304
2010 154 76 25 42 4 n/a n/a 19 320
2011 134 68 12 66 1 6 36 0 323
2012 133 64 13 84 1 4 25 0 324
2013 158 59 8 80 2 7 24 0 338
2014 146 62 12 70 1 8 19 0 318
2015 143 52 15 80 1 12 15 0 318
2016 136 63 15 76 0 17 15 0 322
2017 130 69 17 64 0 16 17 0 313
2018 112 71 10 72 3 15 36 0 319
2019 110 60 6 76 2 15 35 0 304
2020 87 44 7 86 1 16 45 0 286
2021 70 39 6 77 1 17 55 2 267
2022 70 37 6 71 1 20 67 0 272
2023 57 50 8 85 1 24 59 15 299

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Custer Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 273 22.0 12.4 0
1989 307 23.0 13.3 n/a
1990 290 19.0 15.2 0
1991 305 20.7 14.7 n/a
1992 439 17.9 24.5 n/a
1993 323 16.8 19.2 n/a
1994 339 17.2 19.7 n/a
1995 424 20.0 21.2 n/a
1996 424 20.0 21.2 n/a
1997 326 17.4 18.7 n/a
1998 360 16.4 22.0 n/a
1999 359 17.4 20.6 n/a
2000 382 17.2 22.2 n/a
2001 302 18.8 16.1 n/a
2002 352 22.0 16.0 61.6
2003 352 22.0 16.0 61.6
2004 355 21.0 16.9 67
2005 327 19.6 16.7 75.8
2006 377 19.5 19.3 80.6
2007 325 19.5 16.7 82.2
2008 329 18.3 18.0 79.5
2009 304 19.7 15.4 88.2
2010 320 19.2 16.6 90.7
2011 323 19.0 17.0 71.2
2012 324 19.4 16.6 75.9
2013 338 21.0 16.0 72.2
2014 318 n/a n/a 72
2015 318 23.0 13.8 76.1
2016 322 22.0 14.6 81.1
2017 313 24.0 13.0 77.6
2018 319 23.5 13.5 69.3
2019 304 21.5 14.1 65.5
2020 286 21.7 13.1 78.7
2021 267 20.7 12.8 66.3
2022 272 22.1 12.2 83.8
2023 299 19.7 15.1 81.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Custer Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 273 22.0 12.4 0
1989 307 23.0 13.3 n/a
1990 290 19.0 15.2 0
1991 305 20.7 14.7 n/a
1992 439 17.9 24.5 n/a
1993 323 16.8 19.2 n/a
1994 339 17.2 19.7 n/a
1995 424 20.0 21.2 n/a
1996 424 20.0 21.2 n/a
1997 326 17.4 18.7 n/a
1998 360 16.4 22.0 n/a
1999 359 17.4 20.6 n/a
2000 382 17.2 22.2 n/a
2001 302 18.8 16.1 n/a
2002 352 22.0 16.0 61.6
2003 352 22.0 16.0 61.6
2004 355 21.0 16.9 67
2005 327 19.6 16.7 75.8
2006 377 19.5 19.3 80.6
2007 325 19.5 16.7 82.2
2008 329 18.3 18.0 79.5
2009 304 19.7 15.4 88.2
2010 320 19.2 16.6 90.7
2011 323 19.0 17.0 71.2
2012 324 19.4 16.6 75.9
2013 338 21.0 16.0 72.2
2014 318 n/a n/a 72
2015 318 23.0 13.8 76.1
2016 322 22.0 14.6 81.1
2017 313 24.0 13.0 77.6
2018 319 23.5 13.5 69.3
2019 304 21.5 14.1 65.5
2020 286 21.7 13.1 78.7
2021 267 20.7 12.8 66.3
2022 272 22.1 12.2 83.8
2023 299 19.7 15.1 81.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Kindergarten Immunization Rates

Custer Elementary School

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussisMeaslesMumpsRubellaTetanus
201695.8%0.0%0.0%2.1%95.8%97.9%97.9%97.9%97.9%97.9%
201768.9%0.0%2.2%4.4%2.2%75.6%77.8%88.9%73.3%77.8%77.8%
201892.2%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%94.1%94.1%98.0%94.1%96.1%94.1%
201978.2%0.0%0.0%0.0%3.6%83.6%85.5%87.3%85.5%83.6%85.5%
202195.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%97.5%95.0%100.0%97.5%95.0%97.5%97.5%97.5%95.0%
2022100.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
202381.6%5.3%0.0%5.3%0.0%84.2%84.2%86.8%86.8%84.2%89.5%89.5%89.5%84.2%
202486.9%1.6%0.0%1.6%0.0%90.2%88.5%91.8%88.5%88.5%88.5%88.5%88.5%88.5%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Custer Elementary School

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201992.9%0.0%0.0%1.4%98.9%98.9%99.6%99.3%98.9%98.9%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Custer Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $1,417 (8.3%) $15,645 (91.7%) $17,062
2020 $1,379 (9.3%) $13,490 (90.7%) $14,870
2021 $1,348 (6.4%) $19,570 (93.6%) $20,918
2022 $2,512 (10.9%) $20,472 (89.1%) $22,984

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Custer Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Ranks 957th of 1130 Elementary schoolsRanks 862nd of 1169 Elementary schools
 11%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 % proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Custer Elementary School)44.244.4
 0.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Clover Park School District)4439.8
 4.1%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)56.348.9
 7.4%
3rd Grade Math (Custer Elementary School)37.240.7
 3.5%
   3rd Grade Math (Clover Park School District)47.742.8
 4.9%
   3rd Grade Math (Washington)5951.6
 7.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Custer Elementary School)38.226.9
 11.3%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Clover Park School District)4938.8
 10.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)57.750.1
 7.6%
4th Grade Math (Custer Elementary School)38.230.8
 7.5%
   4th Grade Math (Clover Park School District)44.434.6
 9.8%
   4th Grade Math (Washington)54.949.4
 5.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Custer Elementary School)43.538.1
 5.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Clover Park School District)51.148.2
 2.9%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)61.353.8
 7.6%
5th Grade Math (Custer Elementary School)32.633.3
 0.7%
   5th Grade Math (Clover Park School District)40.232
 8.2%
   5th Grade Math (Washington)49.142
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Custer Elementary School)34.842.9
 8.1%
   5th Grade Science (Clover Park School District)43.242.1
 1.1%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)54.152.3
 1.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Custer Elementary School)42.336.5
 5.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Clover Park School District)51.140.7
 10.4%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Custer Elementary School)35.835.1
 0.6%
   All Grades Math (Clover Park School District)38.927.5
 11.4%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Custer Elementary School)34.842.9
 8.1%
   All Grades Science (Clover Park School District)41.334.2
 7.1%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)		 Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)		 Change (%)
Total Students304299
 1.6%
African American6050
 16.7%
American Indian21
 50%
Asian68
 33.3%
Hispanic7685
 11.8%
Pacific Islander1524
 60%
White11057
 48.2%
Two or More Races3559
 68.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients65.5%81.6%
 16.1%

Schools Near Custer Elementary School








Frequently Asked Questions about Custer Elementary School

Custer Elementary School ranks 853rd of 1168 Washington elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.

Students who attend Custer Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Hudtloff Middle School
High : General William H. Harrison Preparatory School
High : Lakes High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 299 students attended Custer Elementary School.

Students at Custer Elementary School are 28% Hispanic, 20% Two or more races, 19% White, 17% African American, 8% Pacific Islander, 5% Not Specified, 3% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.




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