Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98406

The 98406 zip code area of Tacoma, Washington is home to 9 schools, including 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 3 high schools, and no alternative schools. The data reveals a stark contrast in academic performance between the top-performing elementary schools, such as Jefferson Elementary School and Downing Elementary School, and the lower-performing high schools, like Dr. Dolores Silas High School and Tacoma Online High School.

The top-performing elementary schools consistently rank among the best in the state, with impressive test scores and high proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. In contrast, the high schools in the area have more mixed results, with some performing below the district and state averages. The data also suggests a potential correlation between higher per-student spending and better academic outcomes, as the schools with higher funding tend to have stronger performance.

The schools in the 98406 zip code area serve a diverse student population, with varying racial compositions and free/reduced lunch rates. However, the data does not show a clear link between racial diversity and academic performance. Additionally, the two online schools in the area, Tacoma Online High School and Tacoma Online Elementary School, generally perform worse than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, suggesting that the virtual learning model may present challenges for some students.