Serving 298 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Downing Elementary School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 60-64% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 298 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 42%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Downing School serves the northwest part of Tacoma, WA, covering an attendance area of approximately 0.9 square miles. Families in this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 0.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downing Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Downing Elementary School's student population of 298 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
298 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Downing Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downing Elementary School is 0.61, which is less 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
#323 out of 2088 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
11%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
7%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
58%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
20%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.2%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downing Elementary School's ranking?
Downing Elementary School is ranked #323 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Downing Elementary School often compared to?
Downing Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jefferson Elementary School, Skyline Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Downing Elementary School?
298 students attend Downing Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Downing Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Downing Elementary School?
Downing Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Downing Elementary School offer ?
Downing Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Downing Elementary School part of?
Downing Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Downing Elementary School located?
Downing Elementary School is located in the West End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 14 other public schools located in West End.
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