Serving 688 students in grades Prekindergarten-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 40% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). 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 17:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 688 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 40% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Chester H Thompson Elementary serves the northern part of Tacoma, WA, covering an area of approximately 2 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest distance to the school's edge being about 1.6 miles.
- 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:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Chester H Thompson Elementary School's student population of 688 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has declined by 22% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
688 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
School Rankings
Chester H Thompson Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Chester H Thompson Elementary School is 0.69, which is equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1115 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
9%
Hispanic
49%
27%
Black
7%
5%
White
21%
47%
Hawaiian
7%
2%
Two or more races
14%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)33.1%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chester H Thompson Elementary School's ranking?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School is ranked #1115 out of 2,088 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?
40% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% 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?
688 students attend Chester H Thompson Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Chester H Thompson Elementary School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Black, 7% of students are Hawaiian, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Chester H Thompson Elementary School?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Chester H Thompson Elementary School offer ?
Chester H Thompson Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-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
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