Summary:
The Tacoma School District contains 14 diverse high schools serving grades 9-12, ranging from large traditional campuses to small alternative and specialized programs, with significant variation in academic performance and student resources.
For families seeking strong academic options, Science and Math Institute (SAMi) and Industrial Design Engineering and Arts (IDEA) are standout specialized schools with high state rankings and exceptional science proficiency, while the large, comprehensive Stadium High School also performs well with the district's highest graduation rate. In contrast, Foss High School and Lincoln High School face considerable academic challenges, with very low math proficiency rates despite average or above-average per-student spending.
A key district-wide challenge is mathematics, where no school exceeds 38% proficiency. Schools like Tacoma Open Doors and Oakland High School serve distinct at-risk populations and have very low graduation rates, highlighting the different roles schools play within the district. The data shows no clear link between higher spending and better outcomes, raising important questions about resource allocation and effectiveness across these varied educational settings.
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