Mount Rainier High School is a secondary school in Des Moines, Washington, United States; named for Mount Rainier which can be seen quite well from the school on a clear day. Mount Rainier serves approximately 1700 students and has been active since 1957.
Serving 1,846 students in grades 9-12, Mount Rainier High School ranks in the top 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 66% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,846 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 10% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 66% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mount Rainier High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Mount Rainier High School's student population of 1,846 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,846 students
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Year Founded
1957
Colors
White, Navy Blue, Columbia blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mount Rainier High School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mount Rainier High School is 0.78, 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
#1043 out of 2088 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
13%
9%
Hispanic
35%
27%
Black
16%
5%
White
23%
47%
Hawaiian
3%
2%
Two or more races
10%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
84%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.2%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Ajax The Ram
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Rainier High School's ranking?
Mount Rainier High School is ranked #1043 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Mount Rainier High School often compared to?
Mount Rainier High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Evergreen High 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 66% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mount Rainier High School?
The graduation rate of Mount Rainier High School is 94%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Mount Rainier High School?
1,846 students attend Mount Rainier High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Mount Rainier High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 13% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mount Rainier High School?
Mount Rainier High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Mount Rainier High School offer ?
Mount Rainier High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mount Rainier High School part of?
Mount Rainier High School is part of Highline School District.
School Reviews
Review Mount Rainier High 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
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.
