Serving 311 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Fern Hill 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 45-49% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). 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 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 80% 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: 311 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 80%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Fern Hill Elementary School's student population of 311 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
311 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Rankings
Fern Hill 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 Fern Hill Elementary School is 0.77, 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
#1304 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
9%
9%
Hispanic
38%
27%
Black
10%
5%
White
20%
47%
Hawaiian
7%
2%
Two or more races
16%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)47.9%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fern Hill Elementary School's ranking?
Fern Hill Elementary School is ranked #1304 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Fern Hill Elementary School often compared to?
Fern Hill Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Larchmont Elementary School, Franklin Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Fern Hill Elementary School?
311 students attend Fern Hill Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
38% of Fern Hill Elementary School students are Hispanic, 20% of students are White, 16% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Black, 9% of students are Asian, and 7% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Fern Hill Elementary School?
Fern Hill Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Fern Hill Elementary School offer ?
Fern Hill Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Fern Hill Elementary School part of?
Fern Hill Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Fern Hill Elementary School located?
Fern Hill Elementary School is located in the West End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 14 other public schools located in West End.
School Reviews
Review Fern Hill 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
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.
