Best Public Schools in Lakewood, WA

Lakewood, Washington is served by 21 public schools within the Clover Park School District, educating students from kindergarten through 12th grade in a district that faces significant economic challenges, with most schools having high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch.

Academic performance across the district generally lags behind state averages, particularly in math, but there are standout schools. General William H. Harrison Preparatory School is the clear top performer, ranking in the 79th percentile statewide for high schools and exceeding district averages in all subjects. Lakes High School shows impressive improvement and the district's highest graduation rate at 96.5%. In contrast, middle schools like Lochburn Middle School and Hudtloff Middle School rank in the bottom percentiles statewide, indicating a systemic challenge at that level.

Despite lower test scores, the Clover Park School District maintains a strong 93.6% average graduation rate, well above the state average. The data shows no clear link between higher per-student spending and better outcomes, suggesting factors like school culture and programming are critical. For parents, this means while the district faces academic hurdles, there are high-performing options, and the district is successful at supporting students through to graduation.