Samantha Smith Elementary

Summary:

Samantha Smith Elementary is a highly-rated public elementary school in Sammamish, Washington that serves students from kindergarten to 5th grade as part of the Lake Washington School District, which is ranked 4th out of 247 districts in the state.

Samantha Smith Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in Washington, with exceptional academic achievement that exceeds state and district averages. The school's students demonstrate particularly strong performance, with proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math that are significantly higher than their peers. Notably, the school's English Language Learner students also perform exceptionally well, ranking 7th to 9th out of 320 Washington elementary schools. When compared to other highly-ranked schools in the area, such as Louisa May Alcott Elementary and Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary, Samantha Smith generally outperforms its peers, particularly in Math.

However, the school's very low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 1.1% to 2.92%, suggests it may not be serving a socioeconomically diverse student population. This raises questions about equity and access to the school's high-quality educational opportunities. Additionally, the school's high spending per student, ranging from $14,840 to $17,688 per student, may be a contributing factor to its strong academic outcomes, highlighting the potential importance of adequate funding and resources in supporting student success.


Detail:

Public K-5

 23305 NE 14th St
       Sammamish, WA  98074-4441


(425) 936-2710

District: Lake Washington School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
19th of 1,168 Washington Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $17,688 Help


Students who attend Samantha Smith Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Inglewood Middle School
High:    Eastlake High School

Student/teacher ratio:  18.6 Help
Number of students:  617

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
66.1%
White:
25.0%
Two or more races:
4.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  2.9% Help


 See top rated Washington elementary schools

 Compare Samantha Smith Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Samantha Smith Elementary ranks better than 98.4% of elementary schools in Washington. It also ranks 3rd among 31 ranked elementary schools in the Lake Washington School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.23. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Racial makeup is: Asian (66.1%), White (25%), two or more races (4.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 2.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Samantha Smith Elementary is 18.6. 27 elementary schools in the Lake Washington School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Samantha Smith Elementary employs 33 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Samantha Smith Elementary is $17,688. 27 elementary schools in the Lake Washington School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Samantha Smith Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Samantha Smith Elementary 19th of 1168 Washington public elementary schools. (See Samantha Smith Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


English Language Learner students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
White students:


Lake Washington School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Lake Washington School District 4th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Samantha Smith Elementary?

Rank History for Samantha Smith Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 92.72 38th 1026 96.3%
2005 93.68 21st 1031 98.0%
2006 93.26 27th 1051 97.4%
2007 94.05 27th 1069 97.5%
2008 95.05 14th 1067 98.7%
2009 94.29 22nd 1072 97.9%
2010 94.42 16th 1088 98.5%
2011 96.36 4th 1092 99.6%
2012 96.14 4th 1097 99.6%
2013 95.08 8th 1106 99.3%
2015 96.65 14th 1067 98.7%
2016 96.33 15th 1053 98.6%
2017 96.62 13th 1056 98.8%
2018 97.29 9th 1054 99.1%
2019 97.97 4th 1130 99.6%
2021 99.14 5th 1107 99.5%
2022 97.65 14th 1169 98.8%
2023 98.16 9th 1169 99.2%
2024 97.23 19th 1168 98.4%
See the entire list of Washington Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 96.41 9th 254 96.5%
2024 97.77 7th 320 97.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Female students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.67 19th 1004 98.1%
2019 97.43 2nd 1068 99.8%
2021 98.78 8th 1008 99.2%
2022 96.73 20th 1100 98.2%
2023 97.15 18th 1094 98.4%
2024 96.85 15th 1093 98.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.26 7th 999 99.3%
2019 97.76 4th 1075 99.6%
2021 99.15 3rd 1025 99.7%
2022 97.63 9th 1113 99.2%
2023 98.22 4th 1099 99.6%
2024 97.42 11th 1099 99.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2021 91.75 5th 131 96.2%
2022 88.30 14th 187 92.5%
2023 91.45 12th 170 92.9%
2024 89.33 13th 163 92.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for White students at Samantha Smith Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 88.23 51st 833 93.9%
2019 88.44 64th 1027 93.8%
2021 96.75 11th 943 98.8%
2022 89.43 67th 1031 93.5%
2023 91.96 49th 1011 95.2%
2024 89.06 67th 1009 93.4%
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.

Samantha Smith Elementary 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: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Saturday, September 13, 2014

Open Quote I graduated from this school a while ago, and I'd have to say it was one of the best schools I've ever been to, and I switched elementary schools quite often. The students might not be the friendliest (as least in my grade), but the level of academic excellence you will achieve is hands down amazing. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Samantha Smith Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 496 1 13 8 4 n/a n/a 0 522
1990 612 3 13 14 2 n/a n/a 0 644
1991 625 4 19 16 2 n/a n/a 0 666
1992 647 5 13 17 3 n/a n/a 0 685
1993 632 8 17 17 2 n/a n/a 0 676
1994 703 16 26 17 3 n/a n/a 0 765
1995 696 9 27 7 5 n/a n/a 0 744
1996 696 9 27 7 5 n/a n/a 0 744
1997 690 9 32 4 5 n/a n/a 0 740
1998 675 10 34 3 2 n/a n/a 0 724
1999 498 6 39 3 1 n/a n/a 0 547
2000 475 6 37 3 1 n/a n/a 0 522
2001 484 2 51 4 1 n/a n/a 0 542
2002 516 9 87 7 0 n/a n/a 0 619
2003 516 9 87 7 0 n/a n/a 0 619
2004 554 11 98 8 2 n/a n/a 0 673
2005 556 11 124 12 2 n/a n/a 1 706
2006 593 13 157 11 2 n/a n/a 2 778
2007 575 14 152 14 2 n/a n/a 8 765
2008 585 11 151 11 1 n/a n/a 23 782
2009 369 5 163 13 2 n/a n/a 16 568
2010 352 3 161 11 1 n/a n/a 22 550
2011 350 5 203 20 1 0 17 0 596
2012 337 3 217 24 1 0 31 0 613
2013 305 4 204 24 1 0 36 0 574
2014 288 3 245 28 0 0 37 0 601
2015 268 1 263 34 0 0 33 0 599
2016 245 2 299 32 1 0 38 0 617
2017 225 2 335 31 1 0 42 0 636
2018 218 2 397 35 3 0 42 0 697
2019 204 4 383 35 2 0 36 0 664
2020 201 3 403 36 2 0 31 0 676
2021 181 7 397 23 2 0 24 0 634
2022 156 6 383 26 2 0 28 1 602
2023 154 2 408 22 3 0 27 1 617

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 Samantha Smith Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 522 25.0 20.8 n/a
1990 644 29.4 21.9 0
1991 666 28.9 23.0 n/a
1992 685 29.5 23.2 n/a
1993 676 29.9 22.6 n/a
1994 765 30.5 25.1 n/a
1995 744 33.1 22.5 n/a
1996 744 33.1 22.5 n/a
1997 740 31.9 23.2 n/a
1998 724 34.2 21.2 n/a
1999 547 24.8 22.1 n/a
2000 522 24.2 21.6 n/a
2001 542 25.5 21.3 n/a
2002 619 30.4 20.4 1.5
2003 619 30.4 20.4 1.5
2004 673 32.0 21.0 3.3
2005 706 31.8 22.2 3
2006 778 37.6 20.7 2.1
2007 765 38.0 20.1 1.8
2008 782 38.2 20.5 1.1
2009 568 38.2 14.9 2.2
2010 550 26.9 20.4 2.8
2011 596 29.7 20.0 2.2
2012 613 27.3 22.4 3.3
2013 574 25.9 22.1 1.6
2014 601 n/a n/a 2.3
2015 599 34.0 17.6 2.5
2016 617 30.0 20.5 2.6
2017 636 34.1 18.6 1.7
2018 697 35.9 19.3 1.3
2019 664 36.5 18.1 0.9
2020 676 35.0 19.2 1.2
2021 634 34.4 18.4 1.1
2022 602 32.4 18.5 1.8
2023 617 33.0 18.6 2.9

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 Samantha Smith Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 522 25.0 20.8 n/a
1990 644 29.4 21.9 0
1991 666 28.9 23.0 n/a
1992 685 29.5 23.2 n/a
1993 676 29.9 22.6 n/a
1994 765 30.5 25.1 n/a
1995 744 33.1 22.5 n/a
1996 744 33.1 22.5 n/a
1997 740 31.9 23.2 n/a
1998 724 34.2 21.2 n/a
1999 547 24.8 22.1 n/a
2000 522 24.2 21.6 n/a
2001 542 25.5 21.3 n/a
2002 619 30.4 20.4 1.5
2003 619 30.4 20.4 1.5
2004 673 32.0 21.0 3.3
2005 706 31.8 22.2 3
2006 778 37.6 20.7 2.1
2007 765 38.0 20.1 1.8
2008 782 38.2 20.5 1.1
2009 568 38.2 14.9 2.2
2010 550 26.9 20.4 2.8
2011 596 29.7 20.0 2.2
2012 613 27.3 22.4 3.3
2013 574 25.9 22.1 1.6
2014 601 n/a n/a 2.3
2015 599 34.0 17.6 2.5
2016 617 30.0 20.5 2.6
2017 636 34.1 18.6 1.7
2018 697 35.9 19.3 1.3
2019 664 36.5 18.1 0.9
2020 676 35.0 19.2 1.2
2021 634 34.4 18.4 1.1
2022 602 32.4 18.5 1.8
2023 617 33.0 18.6 2.9

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

Samantha Smith Elementary

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussisMeaslesMumpsRubellaTetanus
201683.5%0.0%1.2%0.0%91.8%91.8%96.5%91.8%98.8%91.8%
201787.4%0.0%0.0%2.3%2.3%92.0%92.0%93.1%89.7%90.8%92.0%
201889.7%0.0%0.0%2.3%0.0%96.6%96.6%96.6%92.0%95.4%96.6%
201989.4%0.0%1.1%1.1%1.1%94.7%93.6%95.7%93.6%94.7%92.6%
202095.2%2.4%0.0%1.2%1.2%96.4%96.4%97.6%98.8%96.4%98.8%98.8%98.8%96.4%
202196.3%0.0%0.0%1.2%0.0%98.8%97.6%100.0%100.0%97.6%98.8%98.8%98.8%97.6%
202294.7%0.0%0.0%0.0%1.3%96.0%96.0%97.3%96.0%96.0%97.3%97.3%97.3%96.0%
202398.5%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%100.0%100.0%98.5%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%
2024100.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%100.0%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Samantha Smith Elementary

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201995.1%0.0%1.1%0.9%99.1%99.3%98.7%98.5%99.4%99.3%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Samantha Smith Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $364 (2.9%) $12,399 (97.1%) $12,763
2020 $26 (0.3%) $8,165 (99.7%) $8,190
2021 $332 (2.2%) $14,508 (97.8%) $14,840
2022 $525 (3.0%) $17,163 (97.0%) $17,688

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

Impact of COVID-19 on Samantha Smith Elementary

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 4th of 1130 Elementary schoolsRanks 9th of 1169 Elementary schools
 0.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Samantha Smith Elementary)92.192.1
 0%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Lake Washington School District)82.680.7
 1.9%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)56.348.9
 7.4%
3rd Grade Math (Samantha Smith Elementary)94.896
 1.2%
   3rd Grade Math (Lake Washington School District)82.680.5
 2.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Washington)5951.6
 7.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Samantha Smith Elementary)90.183.3
 6.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Lake Washington School District)8279.2
 2.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)57.750.1
 7.6%
4th Grade Math (Samantha Smith Elementary)93.988.8
 5.1%
   4th Grade Math (Lake Washington School District)78.879.9
 1.1%
   4th Grade Math (Washington)54.949.4
 5.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Samantha Smith Elementary)96.493.3
 3.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Lake Washington School District)86.384.3
 2.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)61.353.8
 7.6%
5th Grade Math (Samantha Smith Elementary)8583
 2%
   5th Grade Math (Lake Washington School District)76.474.6
 1.8%
   5th Grade Math (Washington)49.142
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Samantha Smith Elementary)93.889.6
 4.2%
   5th Grade Science (Lake Washington School District)8382.9
 0.1%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)54.152.3
 1.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Samantha Smith Elementary)92.789.5
 3.2%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Lake Washington School District)84.781.4
 3.3%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Samantha Smith Elementary)91.488.6
 2.8%
   All Grades Math (Lake Washington School District)79.274
 5.2%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Samantha Smith Elementary)93.889.6
 4.2%
   All Grades Science (Lake Washington School District)81.480.3
 1.1%
   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 Students664617
 7.1%
African American42
 50%
American Indian23
 50%
Asian383408
 6.5%
Hispanic3522
 37.1%
Pacific Islander00
White204154
 24.5%
Two or More Races3627
 25%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients0.9%2.9%
 2%


Schools Near Samantha Smith Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Samantha Smith Elementary

In the 2022-23 school year, 617 students attended Samantha Smith Elementary.

Yes! Samantha Smith Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 19th of 1168 Washington elementary schools.

Students who attend Samantha Smith Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Inglewood Middle School
High : Eastlake High School

Students at Samantha Smith Elementary are 66% Asian, 25% White, 4% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic.


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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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