Serving 453 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Helen Stafford Elementary 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 26% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (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 85% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 453 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 85%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Helen B. Stafford Elementary serves the southern part of Tacoma, WA, within an attendance area of approximately 0.6 square miles. Families living in this zone can typically reach the school in 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge being about 0.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Helen Stafford Elementary School's student population of 453 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
453 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Helen Stafford 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 Helen Stafford Elementary 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
#1830 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
17%
9%
Hispanic
30%
27%
Black
13%
5%
White
15%
47%
Hawaiian
8%
2%
Two or more races
17%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)55.2%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
58%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Helen Stafford Elementary School's ranking?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is ranked #1830 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Helen Stafford Elementary School often compared to?
Helen Stafford Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Fern Hill Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Helen Stafford Elementary School?
453 students attend Helen Stafford Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
30% of Helen Stafford Elementary School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Asian, 17% of students are Two or more races, 15% of students are White, 13% of students are Black, and 8% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Helen Stafford Elementary School?
Helen Stafford Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Helen Stafford Elementary School offer ?
Helen Stafford Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Helen Stafford Elementary School part of?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Helen Stafford Elementary School located?
Helen Stafford Elementary School is located in the South End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 9 other public schools located in South End.
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