Serving 599 students in grades 9-12, Foss High 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 10-14% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 599 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Foss serves the west part of Tacoma, WA, covering an attendance area of approximately 11.7 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 2 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, reaching up to 3.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Foss High School's student population of 599 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has declined by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
599 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1973
School Calendar
School Rankings
Foss High 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 Foss High School is 0.81, 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
#1891 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
2%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
8%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
25%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
21%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
24%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
4%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
16%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
85-89%
83.8%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)67.5%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and Gold
School Mascot
Falcons
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foss High School's ranking?
Foss High School is ranked #1891 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Foss High School often compared to?
Foss High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln High School, Stadium High School, Dr. Dolores Silas High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Foss High School?
The graduation rate of Foss High School is 85-89%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 83.8%.
How many students attend Foss High School?
599 students attend Foss High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
25% of Foss High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 16% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Hawaiian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Foss High School?
Foss High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Foss High School offer ?
Foss High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Foss High School part of?
Foss High School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Foss High School located?
Foss High School is located in the Central Tacoma neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 7 other public schools located in Central Tacoma.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Henry Foss Highschool has a wonderful academic program known as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program which provides any student who enrolls in it with rigorous classes that prepare you for college. The teachers, for the most part, get to know you on an individual level and are not only concerned with your grade in their class but all of your classes. The staff is always ready to help you in all your classes and prepare you for your desired career whether through workforce or college. The music program is available in three types of choirs, band, orchestra, and music theory. Foss has different types of art: painting, ceramics, and wood shop classes. There are many clubs available at Foss and it is fairly easy to start a club if they do not have it. There are several language clubs including French Club, Spanish Club, Korean Club, and Chinese Club. The associated student body (ASB) is always working to make the school environment positive and fun. ASB creates dances and other school activities. Foss is a good school who is open to more positive students. I definitely recommend!
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