Serving 613 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Shining Mountain 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 33% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 41% (which is lower 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 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 613 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 72%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Shining Mountain Elementary serves the northern part of its school district in Spanaway, WA, covering an area of approximately 2.9 square miles. Most families live within a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 3 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shining Mountain Elementary School's student population of 613 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 38 teachers has declined by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
613 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
Shining Mountain 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 Shining Mountain Elementary School is 0.80, 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
#1459 out of 2088 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
41%
Showing 2011–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
5%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
25%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
11%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
28%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hawaiian
12%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
Two or more races
19%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 15-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.6%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
53%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 24-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 24-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shining Mountain Elementary School's ranking?
Shining Mountain Elementary School is ranked #1459 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Shining Mountain Elementary School often compared to?
Shining Mountain Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Bethel Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
33% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 41% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Shining Mountain Elementary School?
613 students attend Shining Mountain Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
28% of Shining Mountain Elementary School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 19% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Hawaiian, 11% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shining Mountain Elementary School?
Shining Mountain Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Shining Mountain Elementary School offer ?
Shining Mountain Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shining Mountain Elementary School part of?
Shining Mountain Elementary School is part of Bethel School District.
School Reviews
Review Shining Mountain 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
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
