Serving 489 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Birney Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 489 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Birney Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Birney Elementary School's student population of 489 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
489 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Rankings
Birney Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Birney Elementary School is 0.82, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1806 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
9%
Hispanic
29%
26%
Black
12%
5%
White
20%
48%
Hawaiian
9%
2%
Two or more races
17%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
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 is Birney Elementary School's ranking?
Birney Elementary School is ranked #1806 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Birney Elementary School often compared to?
Birney Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Midland Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Birney Elementary School?
489 students attend Birney Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
29% of Birney Elementary School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 17% of students are Two or more races, 13% of students are Asian, 12% of students are Black, and 9% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Birney Elementary School?
Birney Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Birney Elementary School offer ?
Birney Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Birney Elementary School part of?
Birney Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Birney Elementary School located?
Birney Elementary School is located in the South End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 9 other public schools located in South End.
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