For the 2026-27 school year, there are 44 public preschools serving 16,756 students in Tacoma, WA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Tacoma, WA are Washington Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School and University Place Primary. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Tacoma, WA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the Washington public pre school average of 46%), and reading proficiency score of 46% (versus the 50% statewide average). Pre schools in Tacoma have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Washington public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public preschool average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Tacoma, WA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2615 N. Adams Street
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
4302 North 13th St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-4000
Gr: PK-5 | 358 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
University Place Primary
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
2708 W Grandview Dr
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5620
Gr: PK-4 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Beachwood Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8890 Concord Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
Downing Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
5130 N. 26th Street
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7100
Gr: PK-5 | 298 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #66.
Evergreen Primary
(Math: 66% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
7102 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5680
Gr: PK-4 | 516 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #77.
Sunset Primary
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4523 97th Ave W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5640
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5640
Gr: PK-4 | 548 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #88.
Meriwether Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
10285 Compass Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5200
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5200
Gr: PK-5 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #99.
Whittier Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
777 Elm Tree Ln
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 571-7500
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 571-7500
Gr: PK-3 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #1010.
Rainier Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2410 Stryker Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Gr: PK-5 | 576 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #1111.
Geiger Montessori School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
7401 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 571-6800
Tacoma, WA 98465
(253) 571-6800
Gr: PK-5 | 521 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #1212.
N.e. Tacoma Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
5412 29th St Ne
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-6933
Tacoma, WA 98422
(253) 571-6933
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #1313.
Special Services
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
601 S. 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1224
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1224
Gr: PK-12 | 9 students Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #1414.
Skyline Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
6301 N. 23rd St
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7800
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-7800
Gr: PK-5 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Larchmont Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
8601 E B St
Tacoma, WA 98445
(253) 571-6200
Tacoma, WA 98445
(253) 571-6200
Gr: PK-5 | 303 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #15 - 1615. - 16.
Mann Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1002 S 52nd St
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-6300
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 340 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #1717.
Delong Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4901 S 14 St St
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-5800
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-5800
Gr: PK-5 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #1818.
Chester H Thompson Elementary School
(Math: 40% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
303 159th St E
Tacoma, WA 98445
(253) 800-5800
Tacoma, WA 98445
(253) 800-5800
Gr: PK-5 | 688 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #1919.
Naches Trail Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
15505 Waller Road East
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-8700
Tacoma, WA 98446
(253) 800-8700
Gr: PK-5 | 519 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #2020.
Lyon Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 E 46th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4800
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 381 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #2121.
Stanley Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1712 S 17th St
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-4500
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-4500
Gr: PK-5 | 325 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #2222.
Bryant Montessori School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
717 S Grant Ave
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-2800
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-2800
Gr: PK-5 | 313 students Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #2323.
Fern Hill Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
8442 S Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-3888
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 571-3888
Gr: PK-5 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #2424.
Evergreen Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
9020 Blaine Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5250
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5250
Gr: PK-5 | 442 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #2525.
Franklin Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1402 S Lawrence St
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1400
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1400
Gr: PK-5 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #2626.
Boze Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1140 E 65th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4105
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4105
Gr: PK-5 | 485 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #27 - 3027. - 30.
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: #27 - 3027. - 30.
Fawcett Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
126 E. 60th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4700
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4700
Gr: PK-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #27 - 3027. - 30.
Hillside Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
61700 Garcia Blvd
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5280
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5280
Gr: PK-5 | 567 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #27 - 3027. - 30.
Whitman Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1120 S 39th St
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-7272
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-7272
Gr: PK-5 | 365 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #3131.
Lister Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
2106 E 44th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2900
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #3232.
Sheridan Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5317 E Mckinley Ave
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-5900
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-5900
Gr: PK-5 | 525 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #3333.
Reed Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1802 S 36th St
Tacoma, WA 98418
(253) 571-6464
Tacoma, WA 98418
(253) 571-6464
Gr: PK-5 | 426 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #34 - 3534. - 35.
Birney Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7627 South Sheridan Ave
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-4600
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-4600
Gr: PK-5 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
Rank: #34 - 3534. - 35.
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%
Show 9 more public schools in Tacoma, WA (out of 44 total schools)
Loading...
Tacoma, Washington Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Centro Latino High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-10 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Chs Drop-out Reengagement Program Elementary School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
8425 40th St W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Gr: 9-12
South Divison And Liggett
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5220
Gr: PK-5 | 340 students Minority enrollment: 49%
Curtis Bridge Program High School (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
8805 40th St W. Suite A
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5649
Gr: 9-12 | 47 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Day Reporting School (Closed 2020)
Alternative School
5501 6th Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 571-2670
Gr: 9-12 | 9 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
1301 E. 34th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 722-5883
Gr: 6-8 | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Gates Open Doors Program High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
813 132nd St. S.
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4000
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 298-4000
Gr: 9-12
1115 E Division Ln
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-1405
Gr: 6-8 | 341 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
714 S 27th St
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-3273
Gr: 9-12 | 33 students Minority enrollment: 60%
North Division And Idaho Ave
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Tacoma, WA 98433
(253) 583-5260
Gr: PK-5 | 337 students Minority enrollment: 58%
Home Based (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
601 S 8th St
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 571-5100
Gr: PK-12 | 242 students Minority enrollment: 13%
Learning Opportunity Center (Closed 2014)
Alternative School
5802 20th St East
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Tacoma, WA 98424
(253) 517-1135
Gr: 10-12 | 34 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
1801 E 56th St
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-2080
Gr: 6-8 | 392 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 79%
3702 East Mckinley Ave
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 571-4340
Gr: PK-5
Metro Parks Program High School (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-11 | 12 students Minority enrollment: 33%
New Pathways Storefront School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
11110 Pacific Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 537-0211
Gr: 7-12 | 129 students Minority enrollment: 21%
Northwest School Of Innovative Learning (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
1321 Martin Luter King Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 945-2000
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 945-2000
Gr: 9 | 1 student
Oakland Alternative High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
3319 S Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Oakland Altr. High School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
3319 S Adams
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 156 students Minority enrollment: 56%
Park Avenue Center (Closed 2014)
Special Education School
6701 South Park Ave
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-2600
Tacoma, WA 98408
(253) 571-2600
Gr: K-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
1818 Tacoma Ave S
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-3273
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-3273
Gr: 9-12 | 196 students Minority enrollment: 68%
Region V Learning Ce (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
1818 Tacoma Ave So
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-2191
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 571-2191
Gr: 9-11 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
4415 N 38th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2255
Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 571-2255
Gr: PK-5 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Soar Academy Public Charter School (Closed 2020)
Charter School
1301 E 34th Street
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 444-6759
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 444-6759
Gr: K-8 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Soar Ale School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2136 Martin Luther King Jr Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
(509) 258-4534
Tacoma, WA 98405
(509) 258-4534
Gr: K-8
Summit Olympus Ale School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
409 Puyallup Ave
Tacoma, WA 98421
(509) 258-4534
Tacoma, WA 98421
(509) 258-4534
Gr: 9-12
Tacoma Online (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
6501 N.23rd St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 948-6398
Tacoma, WA 98406
(253) 948-6398
Gr: K-12 | 1,655 students Minority enrollment: 69%
Trans Prog @ Oakland High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-2645
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-2645
Gr: 9-12 | 23 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
University Place Special Education (Closed 2018)
Special Education School
3717 Grandview Drive W
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Tacoma, WA 98466
(253) 566-5600
Gr: K-12
Urban League Tlc High School (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
3319 So Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 10 students
Washington Virtual Academy (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
2601 S. 35th St., Ste. 100
Tacoma, WA 98407
(866) 548-9444
Tacoma, WA 98407
(866) 548-9444
Gr: K-12
Wava High School (Closed 2016)
Alternative School
2601 S 35th Street Suite 100
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 964-1068
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 964-1068
Gr: 9-12 | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Tacoma, WA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Tacoma, WA include Washington Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School and University Place Primary.
How many public preschools are located in Tacoma?
44 public preschools are located in Tacoma.
What is the racial composition of students in Tacoma?
Tacoma public preschools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Washington public preschools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Tacoma are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Tacoma include: Geiger Montessori School vs. Bryant Montessori School, Edison Elementary School vs. Arlington Elementary School, Whitman Elementary School vs. Mann Elementary School
Recent Articles
How Often Does Your Child's School Change Teachers Between Grade Levels?
Learn how teacher movement between grade levels affects continuity, experience, instruction, and school stability, plus the questions parents should ask about staffing patterns before choosing a public school today.
The School Pickup Test: What Arrival and Dismissal Reveal About a Public School
Discover what school arrival and dismissal reveal about safety, supervision, organization, communication, student behavior, transportation, and school climate before choosing the right public school for your child and family.
Should Siblings Attend the Same Public School?
Should siblings attend the same public school? Learn when academic needs, learning styles, programs, social fit, support services, and individual interests may make different schools better choices for children.
