Serving 301 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Point Defiance Elementary School ranks in the top 30% 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 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-64% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 301 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Point Defiance serves the northwest part of Tacoma, WA, covering an area of approximately 6.9 square miles. Families in the zone can typically expect a short drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with the furthest point being about 3.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Point Defiance Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Point Defiance Elementary School's student population of 301 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
301 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Rankings
Point Defiance Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Point Defiance Elementary School is 0.56, 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
#438 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
5%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
13%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
64%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
3%
2%
Two or more races
10%
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)23.9%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
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 Point Defiance Elementary School's ranking?
Point Defiance Elementary School is ranked #438 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Point Defiance Elementary School often compared to?
Point Defiance Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sunset Primary, University Place Primary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 60-64% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Point Defiance Elementary School?
301 students attend Point Defiance Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Point Defiance Elementary School students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Two or more races, 5% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, 3% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Point Defiance Elementary School?
Point Defiance Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Point Defiance Elementary School offer ?
Point Defiance Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Point Defiance Elementary School part of?
Point Defiance Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Point Defiance Elementary School located?
Point Defiance 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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