Summary:
Tacoma, Washington, is home to 22 diverse public high schools serving grades 9-12 across multiple districts, with the majority belonging to the Tacoma School District, offering a wide range of programs from traditional comprehensive education to specialized arts, STEM, and alternative options.
Academic performance varies significantly, with specialized schools like the Science and Math Institute (SAMi) and Industrial Design Engineering and Arts (IDEA) consistently ranking among the top in the state, while comprehensive schools such as Foss High School face considerable challenges; notably, math proficiency is a district-wide concern, with most schools falling well below the state average.
Parents will find a spectrum of educational environments, from large schools like Stadium High School with high graduation rates to smaller alternative programs designed for credit recovery or specific student needs, though it's important to note that higher per-student spending does not always correlate with stronger academic outcomes in this area.
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