Washington is the #12 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,095,254 students across the 2,515 public schools for the 2023 school year (there are 769 private schools, serving 115,689 students). 90% of all K-12 students in Washington are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Washington is 50%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 59%.
The top ranked public schools in Washington are Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School and International Community School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Minority enrollment is 49% (majority Hispanic) and the student:teacher ratio is 17:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(WA) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
8%
Hispanic
25%
Black
5%
White
51%
Hawaiian
1%
Two or more races
9%
Top Ranked Public Schools in Washington (2023)
School (Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Cascadia Elementary School
Magnet School
Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Top 20%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-5
1700 N 90th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Rank: #22.
Challenge Elementary School
Alternative School
Math: ≥99% | Reading: 97%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Bottom 50%)
Reading: 97% (Bottom 50%)
Grades: K-6
5409 228th St Sw
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Rank: #33.
International Community School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: 96% | Reading: 97%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 20%)
Reading: 97% (Top 20%)
Grades: 6-12
11133 Ne 65th St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Rank: #4 - 74. - 7.
Nikola Tesla Stem High School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Grades: 9-12
4301 228th Ave Ne
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Rank: #4 - 74. - 7.
Northstar Middle School
Alternative School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Grades: 6-8
10903 Ne 53rd St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Rank: #4 - 74. - 7.
Stella Schola
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Grades: 6-8
13505 Ne 75th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 936-2475
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 936-2475
Rank: #4 - 74. - 7.
Stephen Decatur Elementary School
Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 20%)
Grades: K-5
7711 43rd Ave Ne
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Rank: #88.
Libby Center
Special Education School
Math: 95% | Reading: 97%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 95% (Top 30%)
Reading: 97% (Top 50%)
Grades: K-8
2900 E 1st Ave
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 354-7500
Spokane, WA 99202
(509) 354-7500
Rank: #99.
Mercer Island High School
Math: 90% | Reading: ≥99%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 5%)
Grades: 9-12
9100 Se 42nd
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 236-3345
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 236-3345
Rank: #1010.
Cherry Crest Elementary School
Math: 94% | Reading: 95%
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Bottom 50%)
Reading: 95% (Bottom 50%)
Grades: PK-5
12400 N.e. 32nd St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Best Washington Public Schools by County (2023)
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Washington?
The top ranked public schools in Washington are Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School and International Community School.
How many public schools are located in Washington?
2,515 public schools are located in Washington.
What percentage of students in Washington go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in Washington are educated in public schools (compared to national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington?
Minority enrollment in Washington is 49% (majority Hispanic)
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