Central Avenue Elementary

Summary:

Central Avenue Elementary is a public elementary school in Tacoma, Washington, serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade as part of the Franklin Pierce School District. The school has a diverse student population, with a high percentage of students from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Central Avenue Elementary's academic performance, as measured by state assessments, is generally lower than the state and district averages across all grade levels and subject areas. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, only 42.86% of students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 52.63% statewide and 37.75% in the Franklin Pierce School District. The school's math proficiency rate was even lower, at 25.44%, compared to 41.68% statewide and 24.21% in the district. However, the school's performance on science assessments was slightly better, with 50.98% of students proficient or better, compared to 49.73% statewide and 37.53% in the district.

When comparing Central Avenue Elementary to other schools in the Franklin Pierce School District and nearby Bethel School District, some interesting patterns emerge. Schools in the Bethel School District, such as Clover Creek Elementary and Katherine G. Johnson Elementary, significantly outperform Central Avenue Elementary and the Franklin Pierce district overall. This suggests that the challenges faced by Central Avenue Elementary may be more systemic within the Franklin Pierce district, rather than solely a reflection of the school's own performance.


Detail:

Public K-5

 4608 128th ST E
       Tacoma, WA  98446


(253) 298-3205

District: Franklin Pierce School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
858th of 1,168 Washington Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $20,834 Help


Students who attend Central Avenue Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Morris Ford Middle School
High:    Franklin Pierce High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.1 Help
Number of students:  379

Racial breakdown:

White:
36.4%
Hispanic:
29.3%
Two or more races:
15.6%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  57.8% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Central Avenue Elementary ranks worse than 73.5% of elementary schools in Washington. It also ranks 4th among 8 ranked elementary schools in the Franklin Pierce School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 27.76. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Central Avenue Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (36.4%), Hispanic (29.3%), two or more races (15.6%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 57.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Central Avenue Elementary is 15.1, which is the 4th best among 8 elementary schools in the Franklin Pierce School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Central Avenue Elementary employs 25 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Central Avenue Elementary is $20,834, which is the 2nd highest among 8 elementary schools in the Franklin Pierce School District.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Central Avenue Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Central Avenue Elementary 858th of 1168 Washington public elementary schools. (See Central Avenue Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


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


Franklin Pierce School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Franklin Pierce School District 205th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Central Avenue Elementary?

Rank History for Central Avenue Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 27.69 793rd 1026 22.7%
2005 37.54 697th 1031 32.4%
2006 30.10 796th 1051 24.3%
2007 33.86 763rd 1069 28.6%
2008 52.46 540th 1067 49.4%
2009 57.55 456th 1072 57.5%
2010 54.72 485th 1088 55.4%
2011 58.94 447th 1092 59.1%
2012 57.19 478th 1097 56.4%
2013 58.89 464th 1106 58.0%
2015 42.37 634th 1067 40.6%
2016 45.60 592nd 1053 43.8%
2017 34.61 716th 1056 32.2%
2018 36.31 679th 1054 35.6%
2019 42.18 673rd 1130 40.4%
2021 37.47 659th 1107 40.5%
2022 26.43 873rd 1169 25.3%
2023 31.62 804th 1169 31.2%
2024 27.76 858th 1168 26.5%
See the entire list of Washington Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 33.55 221st 303 27.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 50.79 424th 835 49.2%
2019 59.42 372nd 979 62.0%
2021 48.11 406th 854 52.5%
2022 28.75 803rd 1019 21.2%
2023 41.14 611th 1013 39.7%
2024 41.51 627th 1024 38.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 42.17 605th 1004 39.7%
2019 46.23 610th 1068 42.9%
2021 32.10 666th 1008 33.9%
2022 25.21 853rd 1100 22.5%
2023 37.11 679th 1094 37.9%
2024 33.83 728th 1093 33.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 33.99 676th 999 32.3%
2019 41.05 657th 1075 38.9%
2021 39.06 587th 1025 42.7%
2022 27.53 826th 1113 25.8%
2023 25.89 841st 1099 23.5%
2024 22.82 878th 1099 20.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.63 319th 540 40.9%
2019 57.59 264th 697 62.1%
2021 51.58 180th 501 64.1%
2022 29.77 511th 694 26.4%
2023 27.16 492nd 633 22.3%
2024 65.27 198th 651 69.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Central Avenue Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 27.21 652nd 833 21.7%
2019 33.60 750th 1027 27.0%
2021 20.65 790th 943 16.2%
2022 13.89 949th 1031 8.0%
2023 30.03 755th 1011 25.3%
2024 19.25 882nd 1009 12.6%
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.

Central Avenue Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Friday, September 20, 2019

Open Quote Teachers are crap! If you want an education for your child, don’t go. Get out of the district! If you want a child bullied (say you will contact your lawyer if you want anything done) teacher won’t correspond with you, teachers are mean! They really need more training on how to handle kids here. The principal when my child started was great, the new does not compare. The school has went down hill. I’m so happy to be out of that district! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Central Avenue Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 336 17 10 4 7 n/a n/a 0 374
1989 359 20 9 5 4 n/a n/a 0 397
1990 362 19 12 5 7 n/a n/a 0 405
1991 354 23 15 8 14 n/a n/a 0 414
1992 370 35 21 3 6 n/a n/a 0 435
1993 332 49 14 11 7 n/a n/a 0 413
1994 301 42 15 18 9 n/a n/a 0 385
1995 279 47 14 33 13 n/a n/a 0 386
1996 279 47 14 33 13 n/a n/a 0 386
1997 288 37 11 46 9 n/a n/a 0 391
1998 290 40 17 46 18 n/a n/a 0 411
1999 319 38 33 47 15 n/a n/a 0 452
2000 305 41 34 42 10 n/a n/a 0 432
2001 306 35 29 58 10 n/a n/a 0 438
2002 327 37 36 81 10 n/a n/a 0 491
2003 327 37 36 81 10 n/a n/a 0 491
2004 252 20 29 34 7 n/a n/a 0 342
2005 245 27 30 41 11 n/a n/a 19 373
2006 215 32 28 29 8 n/a n/a 12 324
2007 215 32 37 41 9 n/a n/a 22 356
2008 211 22 22 49 10 n/a n/a 26 340
2009 225 19 18 55 7 n/a n/a 31 355
2010 227 20 34 47 4 n/a n/a 41 373
2011 233 24 27 63 3 6 30 0 386
2012 221 22 20 68 1 9 46 0 387
2013 218 21 27 88 3 12 53 0 422
2014 220 26 36 68 1 13 60 0 424
2015 221 21 31 82 2 9 69 0 435
2016 221 20 38 96 2 6 77 0 460
2017 245 20 46 95 6 8 76 0 496
2018 235 17 46 96 3 5 67 0 469
2019 197 21 51 94 2 1 67 0 433
2020 199 21 48 97 2 6 66 0 439
2021 135 19 39 104 0 9 62 0 368
2022 148 21 36 107 2 7 56 0 377
2023 138 27 34 111 4 5 59 1 379

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 Central Avenue Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 374 15.0 24.9 0
1989 397 16.0 24.8 n/a
1990 405 16.6 24.3 0
1991 414 17.8 23.2 n/a
1992 435 17.8 24.4 n/a
1993 413 17.8 23.2 n/a
1994 385 17.5 22.0 n/a
1995 386 17.5 22.1 n/a
1996 386 17.5 22.1 n/a
1997 391 17.5 22.3 n/a
1998 411 18.5 22.2 n/a
1999 452 19.4 23.3 n/a
2000 432 20.4 21.2 n/a
2001 438 21.5 20.4 n/a
2002 491 22.0 22.3 48.9
2003 491 22.0 22.3 48.9
2004 342 17.0 20.1 45.3
2005 373 17.3 21.6 50.3
2006 324 19.0 17.1 44.9
2007 356 19.0 18.7 52.4
2008 340 19.5 17.4 52.5
2009 355 19.5 18.2 58.3
2010 373 20.0 18.6 68.7
2011 386 20.9 18.4 53.9
2012 387 20.5 18.8 60.5
2013 422 21.4 19.7 59.7
2014 424 n/a n/a 61.3
2015 435 29.0 15.0 59.3
2016 460 26.0 17.6 68.5
2017 496 26.5 18.7 66.1
2018 469 27.5 17.0 61.8
2019 433 28.1 15.4 63.7
2020 439 28.6 15.3 69.5
2021 368 26.8 13.7 59.2
2022 377 26.0 14.5 49.1
2023 379 25.0 15.1 57.8

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 Central Avenue Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 374 15.0 24.9 0
1989 397 16.0 24.8 n/a
1990 405 16.6 24.3 0
1991 414 17.8 23.2 n/a
1992 435 17.8 24.4 n/a
1993 413 17.8 23.2 n/a
1994 385 17.5 22.0 n/a
1995 386 17.5 22.1 n/a
1996 386 17.5 22.1 n/a
1997 391 17.5 22.3 n/a
1998 411 18.5 22.2 n/a
1999 452 19.4 23.3 n/a
2000 432 20.4 21.2 n/a
2001 438 21.5 20.4 n/a
2002 491 22.0 22.3 48.9
2003 491 22.0 22.3 48.9
2004 342 17.0 20.1 45.3
2005 373 17.3 21.6 50.3
2006 324 19.0 17.1 44.9
2007 356 19.0 18.7 52.4
2008 340 19.5 17.4 52.5
2009 355 19.5 18.2 58.3
2010 373 20.0 18.6 68.7
2011 386 20.9 18.4 53.9
2012 387 20.5 18.8 60.5
2013 422 21.4 19.7 59.7
2014 424 n/a n/a 61.3
2015 435 29.0 15.0 59.3
2016 460 26.0 17.6 68.5
2017 496 26.5 18.7 66.1
2018 469 27.5 17.0 61.8
2019 433 28.1 15.4 63.7
2020 439 28.6 15.3 69.5
2021 368 26.8 13.7 59.2
2022 377 26.0 14.5 49.1
2023 379 25.0 15.1 57.8

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

Central Avenue Elementary

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussisMeaslesMumpsRubellaTetanus
201682.3%0.0%0.0%12.9%95.2%95.2%95.2%95.2%95.2%95.2%
201797.5%0.0%0.0%0.0%2.5%97.5%97.5%97.5%97.5%97.5%97.5%
201849.2%0.0%0.0%0.0%1.6%52.5%54.1%59.0%50.8%50.8%54.1%
201995.3%0.0%0.0%0.0%4.7%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%
202186.5%2.7%0.0%0.0%0.0%89.2%89.2%94.6%94.6%89.2%97.3%97.3%97.3%89.2%
202298.2%1.8%0.0%0.0%0.0%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%98.2%
202388.9%7.9%0.0%0.0%1.6%88.9%90.5%95.2%88.9%90.5%90.5%90.5%90.5%90.5%
202489.5%5.3%0.0%1.8%3.5%89.5%91.2%93.0%93.0%91.2%93.0%93.0%93.0%91.2%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Central Avenue Elementary

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201995.3%0.0%0.0%4.7%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%95.3%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Central Avenue Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $527 (3.3%) $15,483 (96.7%) $16,010
2020 $159 (1.4%) $11,370 (98.6%) $11,529
2021 $1,171 (5.6%) $19,614 (94.4%) $20,785
2022 $1,371 (6.6%) $19,463 (93.4%) $20,834

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Central Avenue Elementary

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 673rd of 1130 Elementary schoolsRanks 804th of 1169 Elementary schools
 9.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Central Avenue Elementary)52.132.8
 19.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Franklin Pierce School District)49.835.6
 14.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)56.348.9
 7.4%
3rd Grade Math (Central Avenue Elementary)53.237.7
 15.5%
   3rd Grade Math (Franklin Pierce School District)46.336.8
 9.6%
   3rd Grade Math (Washington)5951.6
 7.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Central Avenue Elementary)61.942.3
 19.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Franklin Pierce School District)50.137.7
 12.4%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)57.750.1
 7.6%
4th Grade Math (Central Avenue Elementary)42.946.2
 3.3%
   4th Grade Math (Franklin Pierce School District)42.537.3
 5.2%
   4th Grade Math (Washington)54.949.4
 5.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Central Avenue Elementary)62.349
 13.3%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Franklin Pierce School District)51.342.8
 8.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)61.353.8
 7.6%
5th Grade Math (Central Avenue Elementary)37.719.6
 18.1%
   5th Grade Math (Franklin Pierce School District)3627.4
 8.6%
   5th Grade Math (Washington)49.142
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Central Avenue Elementary)49.245.1
 4.1%
   5th Grade Science (Franklin Pierce School District)36.437.2
 0.8%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)54.152.3
 1.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Central Avenue Elementary)57.840.9
 17%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Franklin Pierce School District)50.838.2
 12.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Central Avenue Elementary)45.934.8
 11.1%
   All Grades Math (Franklin Pierce School District)34.324.7
 9.6%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Central Avenue Elementary)49.245.1
 4.1%
   All Grades Science (Franklin Pierce School District)40.534.8
 5.8%
   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 Students433379
 12.5%
African American2127
 28.6%
American Indian24
 100%
Asian5134
 33.3%
Hispanic94111
 18.1%
Pacific Islander15
 400%
White197138
 29.9%
Two or More Races6759
 11.9%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients63.7%57.8%
 6%


Schools Near Central Avenue Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Central Avenue Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 379 students attended Central Avenue Elementary.

Students who attend Central Avenue Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Morris Ford Middle School
High : Franklin Pierce High School

Students at Central Avenue Elementary are 36% White, 29% Hispanic, 16% Two or more races, 9% Asian, 7% African American, 1% Pacific Islander, 1% American Indian.

Central Avenue Elementary ranks 858th of 1168 Washington elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 1 star out of 5.


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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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