Serving 305 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, Whittier 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 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 305 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Whittier School serves the southwest part of Tacoma, WA, covering an area of approximately 1.7 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 1.9 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 305 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
305 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.78, 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
#509 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
17%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
16%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
34%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
4%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
23%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.7%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 24-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Wildcats
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #509 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Evergreen Primary by visitors of our site.
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 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
305 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Whittier Elementary School students are White, 23% of students are Two or more races, 17% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
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