For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,207 students in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA.
The top-ranked public preschools in South Tacoma are Edison Elementary School, Manitou Park Elementary School and Arlington Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Washington public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 50% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Washington public preschool average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Edison Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5830 S Pine St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1700
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1700
Gr: PK-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Manitou Park Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4330 S 66th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5300
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5300
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Arlington Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7202 South Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3200
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3200
Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA include Edison Elementary School, Manitou Park Elementary School and Arlington Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma?
4 public preschools are located in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma?
the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma public preschools minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Washington public preschools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.