Serving 300 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 14:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 300 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- 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%)
- 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 300 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
300 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
Point Defiance Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Point Defiance Elementary School is 0.54, 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
#441 out of 2113 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)55-59%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
16:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
6%
9%
Hispanic
10%
26%
Black
4%
5%
White
66%
48%
Hawaiian
1%
2%
Two or more races
11%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Point Defiance Elementary School's ranking?
Point Defiance Elementary School is ranked #441 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
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?
300 students attend Point Defiance Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Point Defiance Elementary School students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, 2% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Point Defiance Elementary School?
Point Defiance Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 16:1.
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.
School Reviews
Review Point Defiance 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
Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.
Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.
Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.
