Panther Lake Elementary School

Summary:

Panther Lake Elementary School is a public elementary school in Federal Way, Washington, serving 414 students from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade. The school faces significant challenges, including a high-minority and low-income student population, consistently low academic performance, and declining statewide rankings.

Panther Lake has a significantly higher percentage of minority students compared to the state average, with 22.22% African American, 34.3% Hispanic, and 15.94% Pacific Islander students. The school's academic performance is consistently in the bottom 10% of elementary schools in Washington, with only 29.9% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 20.71% in Math, far below the state averages. Additionally, 85.75% of Panther Lake students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high percentage of students from low-income families.

Compared to nearby schools in the Federal Way School District, such as Lakeland Elementary, which has significantly higher academic performance, Panther Lake's struggles are even more pronounced. The school's declining performance over the years, with its statewide ranking dropping from 738th out of 1,067 elementary schools in 2014-2015 to 1,067th out of 1,168 in 2023-2024, suggests that targeted interventions and support may be necessary to improve student outcomes.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 34424 1st Av S
       Federal Way, WA  98003-6501


(253) 945-3600

District: Federal Way School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1067th of 1,168 Washington Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $20,379 Help


Students who attend Panther Lake Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Illahee Middle School
High:    Todd Beamer High School

Student/teacher ratio:  16.8 Help
Number of students:  414

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
34.3%
African American:
22.2%
Pacific Islander:
15.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  85.7% Help


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 Compare Panther Lake Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
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Compare Details Panther Lake Elementary School ranks worse than 91.4% of elementary schools in Washington. It also ranks 15th among 23 ranked elementary schools in the Federal Way School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 13.01. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Panther Lake Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (34.3%), African American (22.2%), Pacific Islander (15.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 85.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Panther Lake Elementary School is 16.8. 16 elementary schools in the Federal Way School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Panther Lake Elementary School employs 24.5 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Panther Lake Elementary School is $20,379. 17 elementary schools in the Federal Way School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Panther Lake Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Panther Lake Elementary School 1067th of 1168 Washington public elementary schools. (See Panther Lake Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Homeless students:
Female students:
Male students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:


Federal Way School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Federal Way School District 213th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Panther Lake Elementary School?

Rank History for Panther Lake Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 49.25 536th 1026 47.8%
2005 57.08 451st 1031 56.3%
2006 60.33 411th 1051 60.9%
2007 51.14 543rd 1069 49.2%
2008 53.62 525th 1067 50.8%
2009 53.16 507th 1072 52.7%
2010 55.13 479th 1088 56.0%
2011 33.71 795th 1092 27.2%
2012 45.30 639th 1097 41.8%
2013 49.62 606th 1106 45.2%
2015 34.44 738th 1067 30.8%
2016 16.45 916th 1053 13.0%
2017 17.13 918th 1056 13.1%
2018 15.44 931st 1054 11.7%
2019 7.05 1089th 1130 3.6%
2021 13.22 999th 1107 9.8%
2022 7.13 1134th 1169 3.0%
2023 11.03 1088th 1169 6.9%
2024 13.01 1067th 1168 8.6%
See the entire list of Washington Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.76 212th 333 36.3%
2023 26.35 190th 254 25.2%
2024 29.87 223rd 320 30.3%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 20.03 751st 835 10.1%
2019 14.33 923rd 979 5.7%
2021 17.00 787th 854 7.8%
2022 12.42 980th 1019 3.8%
2023 15.27 944th 1013 6.8%
2024 24.73 840th 1024 18.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 28.10 8th 8 0.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 14.23 907th 1004 9.7%
2019 12.64 972nd 1068 9.0%
2021 11.30 956th 1008 5.2%
2022 10.40 1044th 1100 5.1%
2023 9.33 1047th 1094 4.3%
2024 12.56 1008th 1093 7.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 22.16 820th 999 17.9%
2019 6.96 1040th 1075 3.3%
2021 15.60 907th 1025 11.5%
2022 6.06 1095th 1113 1.6%
2023 11.69 1021st 1099 7.1%
2024 13.21 997th 1099 9.3%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 43.40 107th 169 36.7%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 30.09 92nd 107 14.0%
2019 13.43 107th 110 2.7%
2023 42.80 38th 66 42.4%
2024 36.80 52nd 71 26.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 19.07 492nd 540 8.9%
2019 16.78 642nd 697 7.9%
2021 45.60 223rd 501 55.5%
2022 18.31 638th 694 8.1%
2023 18.82 565th 633 10.7%
2024 22.57 543rd 651 16.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for Pacific Islander students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 71.74 2nd 5 60.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Pacific Islander Students!

Rank History for White students at Panther Lake Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 16.13 749th 833 10.1%
2019 11.64 964th 1027 6.1%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Panther Lake Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 2.3)
33%

0%

0%

0%

67%

  

by a parent
Saturday, October 7, 2017

Open Quote Very poor school. I removed my daughter toward the end of the school year last year due to bullying and classroom disruptions. Principal refused to handle situation so I removed my daughter from the environment. Turn over for teachers is very high, two years in a row almost half of the staff quit. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, February 12, 2010

Open Quote This is the most wonderful elementary school in the Federal Way School District. The teachers are wonderful and give their all to ther students and their community. My children are lucky to have teachers who care so much for them. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Panther Lake Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 472 32 58 14 11 n/a n/a 0 587
1989 566 48 65 16 7 n/a n/a 0 702
1990 532 55 46 17 5 n/a n/a 0 655
1991 471 56 36 18 10 n/a n/a 0 591
1992 541 82 45 32 7 n/a n/a 0 707
1993 464 81 48 26 3 n/a n/a 0 622
1994 466 91 52 28 5 n/a n/a 0 642
1995 306 77 88 23 7 n/a n/a 0 501
1996 306 77 88 23 7 n/a n/a 0 501
1997 287 81 102 17 6 n/a n/a 0 493
1998 267 83 113 23 6 n/a n/a 0 492
1999 276 106 126 32 5 n/a n/a 0 545
2000 268 82 123 20 3 n/a n/a 0 496
2001 268 100 139 32 0 n/a n/a 0 539
2002 240 124 154 22 12 n/a n/a 0 552
2003 240 124 154 22 12 n/a n/a 0 552
2004 191 93 117 26 12 n/a n/a 0 439
2005 182 88 122 36 10 n/a n/a 0 438
2006 176 82 97 37 9 n/a n/a 18 419
2007 158 60 113 40 7 n/a n/a 32 410
2008 147 62 113 32 4 n/a n/a 32 390
2009 128 65 113 40 6 n/a n/a 45 397
2010 120 64 100 48 2 n/a n/a 51 385
2011 126 63 63 82 1 24 48 0 407
2012 125 56 59 98 0 23 51 0 412
2013 115 56 60 115 5 24 63 0 438
2014 110 60 58 133 5 23 69 0 458
2015 78 63 55 111 5 37 73 0 422
2016 84 68 56 121 6 51 73 0 459
2017 85 89 51 126 3 53 67 0 474
2018 64 85 59 121 5 55 60 0 449
2019 74 88 36 126 4 49 53 0 430
2020 65 85 32 153 2 49 39 0 425
2021 45 81 24 139 1 48 32 0 370
2022 46 80 18 136 3 59 39 0 381
2023 53 92 19 142 4 66 38 0 414

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Panther Lake Elementary School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 587 24.0 24.4 0
1989 702 27.0 26.0 n/a
1990 655 31.2 20.9 0
1991 591 25.0 23.6 n/a
1992 707 28.9 24.4 n/a
1993 622 29.0 21.4 n/a
1994 642 27.5 23.3 n/a
1995 501 23.9 21.0 n/a
1996 501 23.9 21.0 n/a
1997 493 24.4 20.2 n/a
1998 492 23.4 21.0 n/a
1999 545 26.3 20.7 n/a
2000 496 21.0 23.6 n/a
2001 539 25.8 20.9 n/a
2002 552 28.5 19.4 33.2
2003 552 28.5 19.4 33.2
2004 439 22.0 20.0 44.2
2005 438 22.4 19.6 47
2006 419 23.5 17.8 46.4
2007 410 23.0 17.8 47.1
2008 390 21.3 18.3 49.4
2009 397 21.3 18.6 48.6
2010 385 22.0 17.5 59.9
2011 407 22.6 18.0 44.7
2012 412 21.4 19.1 60.7
2013 438 23.5 18.6 60
2014 458 n/a n/a 66.6
2015 422 29.0 14.5 74.2
2016 459 25.0 18.3 67.3
2017 474 27.6 17.1 76.2
2018 449 27.0 16.6 82
2019 430 25.7 16.6 81.4
2020 425 27.5 15.4 74.8
2021 370 25.7 14.3 72.4
2022 381 23.4 16.2 76.9
2023 414 24.5 16.8 85.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Panther Lake Elementary School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 587 24.0 24.4 0
1989 702 27.0 26.0 n/a
1990 655 31.2 20.9 0
1991 591 25.0 23.6 n/a
1992 707 28.9 24.4 n/a
1993 622 29.0 21.4 n/a
1994 642 27.5 23.3 n/a
1995 501 23.9 21.0 n/a
1996 501 23.9 21.0 n/a
1997 493 24.4 20.2 n/a
1998 492 23.4 21.0 n/a
1999 545 26.3 20.7 n/a
2000 496 21.0 23.6 n/a
2001 539 25.8 20.9 n/a
2002 552 28.5 19.4 33.2
2003 552 28.5 19.4 33.2
2004 439 22.0 20.0 44.2
2005 438 22.4 19.6 47
2006 419 23.5 17.8 46.4
2007 410 23.0 17.8 47.1
2008 390 21.3 18.3 49.4
2009 397 21.3 18.6 48.6
2010 385 22.0 17.5 59.9
2011 407 22.6 18.0 44.7
2012 412 21.4 19.1 60.7
2013 438 23.5 18.6 60
2014 458 n/a n/a 66.6
2015 422 29.0 14.5 74.2
2016 459 25.0 18.3 67.3
2017 474 27.6 17.1 76.2
2018 449 27.0 16.6 82
2019 430 25.7 16.6 81.4
2020 425 27.5 15.4 74.8
2021 370 25.7 14.3 72.4
2022 381 23.4 16.2 76.9
2023 414 24.5 16.8 85.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Kindergarten Immunization Rates

Panther Lake Elementary School

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YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussisMeaslesMumpsRubellaTetanus
201666.2%0.0%1.3%0.0%76.6%81.8%90.9%71.4%81.8%81.8%
201777.8%0.0%3.7%0.0%2.5%90.1%92.6%91.4%86.4%88.9%92.6%
201879.2%1.4%0.0%0.0%0.0%91.7%84.7%94.4%88.9%91.7%84.7%
201989.6%4.5%0.0%0.0%3.0%92.5%92.5%91.0%91.0%89.6%92.5%
202187.3%5.5%0.0%1.8%3.6%90.9%89.1%92.7%90.9%89.1%90.9%90.9%90.9%89.1%
202279.4%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%81.0%84.1%84.1%82.5%84.1%82.5%82.5%82.5%84.1%
202374.6%0.0%0.0%4.8%0.0%87.3%82.5%88.9%82.5%82.5%82.5%82.5%82.5%82.5%
202479.4%6.5%0.0%4.4%2.2%90.2%87.0%93.5%83.7%87.0%87.0%87.0%87.0%87.0%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Panther Lake Elementary School

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YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201993.2%1.1%0.2%1.8%97.5%97.3%98.2%97.5%96.8%97.3%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Panther Lake Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $912 (6.2%) $13,853 (93.8%) $14,765
2020 $872 (8.3%) $9,675 (91.7%) $10,546
2021 $1,784 (8.9%) $18,224 (91.1%) $20,008
2022 $2,494 (12.2%) $17,885 (87.8%) $20,379

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Panther Lake Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 1089th of 1130 Elementary schoolsRanks 1088th of 1169 Elementary schools
 3.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Panther Lake Elementary School)29.425.9
 3.5%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Federal Way School District)41.835.1
 6.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)56.348.9
 7.4%
3rd Grade Math (Panther Lake Elementary School)22.532.1
 9.6%
   3rd Grade Math (Federal Way School District)44.633.4
 11.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Washington)5951.6
 7.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Panther Lake Elementary School)35.820.9
 14.9%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Federal Way School District)43.531.2
 12.2%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)57.750.1
 7.6%
4th Grade Math (Panther Lake Elementary School)27.211.6
 15.6%
   4th Grade Math (Federal Way School District)4229.3
 12.7%
   4th Grade Math (Washington)54.949.4
 5.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Panther Lake Elementary School)33.332.8
 0.5%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Federal Way School District)45.238.3
 7%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)61.353.8
 7.6%
5th Grade Math (Panther Lake Elementary School)20.720
 0.7%
   5th Grade Math (Federal Way School District)34.324
 10.4%
   5th Grade Math (Washington)49.142
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Panther Lake Elementary School)26.826.1
 0.7%
   5th Grade Science (Federal Way School District)34.531.4
 3.1%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)54.152.3
 1.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Panther Lake Elementary School)3326.6
 6.4%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Federal Way School District)47.436.7
 10.7%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Panther Lake Elementary School)23.520.5
 3%
   All Grades Math (Federal Way School District)34.624
 10.6%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Panther Lake Elementary School)26.826.1
 0.7%
   All Grades Science (Federal Way School District)35.829.7
 6.1%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students430414
 3.7%
African American8892
 4.5%
American Indian44
Asian3619
 47.2%
Hispanic126142
 12.7%
Pacific Islander4966
 34.7%
White7453
 28.4%
Two or More Races5338
 28.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients81.4%85.7%
 4.4%


Schools Near Panther Lake Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Panther Lake Elementary School

In the 2022-23 school year, 414 students attended Panther Lake Elementary School.

Students at Panther Lake Elementary School are 34% Hispanic, 22% African American, 16% Pacific Islander, 13% White, 9% Two or more races, 5% Asian.

Panther Lake Elementary School ranks in the bottom 8.6% of Washington elementary schools.

Students who attend Panther Lake Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Illahee Middle School
High : Todd Beamer High School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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