Best Public Schools in Seattle, WA

The city of Seattle, Washington is home to 126 schools, including 82 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 26 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. These schools serve a diverse student population and demonstrate a wide range of academic performance and outcomes.

Some of the standout schools in the Seattle area include Lincoln High School, which consistently ranks among the top in the state with a 5-star rating and a 97.6% four-year graduation rate. Cascadia Elementary has been ranked the #1 elementary school in Washington for several years, while The Center School is a high-performing high school that ranks 21st out of 442 in the state. On the other hand, some schools like New Start face significant challenges, with low graduation rates and high dropout rates.

The data reveals substantial disparities in academic achievement between high-performing and low-performing schools, as well as between different demographic groups within the same school. While there is not a clear correlation between per-student spending and academic performance, the schools with the highest spending per student tend to have the lowest graduation rates and test scores. This suggests that factors like school culture, leadership, and instructional practices may play a crucial role in driving student success, in addition to funding. Overall, the data on Seattle-area schools provides a complex picture of educational outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support to address persistent achievement gaps and ensure equitable access to high-quality education for all students.