Chester H Thompson Elementary School

303 159th St E
Tacoma, WA 98445
(School attendance zone shown in map)
5/
10
Bottom 50%
Serving 648 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Chester H Thompson Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 37% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 78% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 648 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 78%
  • : Bottom 50% in WA
  • : 37% (Top 50%)
  • : 48% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education

Top Rankings

Chester H Thompson Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:

School Overview

Chester H Thompson Elementary School's student population of 648 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
648 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers

School Rankings

Chester H Thompson 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 Chester H Thompson Elementary School is 0.72, 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.
This School
State Level (WA)
#1154 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
37%
40%
48%
53%
40-44%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
9%
Hispanic
45%
26%
Black
6%
5%
White
22%
48%
Hawaiian
8%
2%
Two or more races
15%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
0.72
Eligible for Free Lunch
67%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
8%
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 Chester H Thompson Elementary School's ranking?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School is ranked #1154 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Chester H Thompson Elementary School often compared to?
Chester H Thompson Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Star Elementary School, Evergreen Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
37% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Chester H Thompson Elementary School?
648 students attend Chester H Thompson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Chester H Thompson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 22% of students are White, 15% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hawaiian, 6% of students are Black, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Chester H Thompson Elementary School?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Chester H Thompson Elementary School offer ?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Chester H Thompson Elementary School part of?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School is part of Bethel School District.

School Reviews

Review Chester H Thompson Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: Kindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 648 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 78%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 37% (Top 50%)
  • : 48% (Btm 50%)
  • : 40-44% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education

Quick Links