Summary:
Snohomish School District has nine elementary schools serving grades K–6 and is a comparatively strong Washington district, ranked 40th of 238 statewide. The schools vary widely in achievement, with 2025–2026 statewide rankings ranging from the 94th percentile at Totem Falls to the 40th percentile at Central Emerson Elementary. Across the group, average proficiency was 60.66% in English language arts, 56.65% in math, and 63.93% in science. Compared with the state, the schools performed especially well in math and science, although results varied considerably from one attendance area to another.
Totem Falls is the clear academic leader, ranking 64th statewide and posting the group’s highest ELA and math results, at 82.16% and 77.83%. Little Cedars Elementary School is the most balanced high performer, exceeding 70% in all three subjects, while Seattle Hill Elementary had the strongest science result at 80%. Dutch Hill Elementary and Cathcart Elementary also ranked in the top 25% statewide. Dutch Hill showed strong third- through fifth-grade results but a notable sixth-grade decline, while Cathcart’s science performance was much stronger than its ELA and math results.
Families comparing schools should pay attention to subject and grade-level differences rather than rankings alone. Cascade View Elementary and Machias Elementary experienced broad year-over-year declines, while Riverview Elementary remained a middle-performing option with relatively stronger math than ELA or science. Central Emerson Elementary recorded the lowest overall results and may warrant the closest review of current programs and support. Several schools also showed weaker sixth-grade outcomes, especially in math. Staffing ratios and spending differed among schools but did not consistently predict achievement, so families may want to consider school-specific programs, grade-level results, student support, and recent improvement trends.
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