Beta You're viewing our redesigned school page. Prefer the classic layout?

Rainier Elementary School

Q: Is Rainier Elementary School a good school?

Rainier Elementary School ranks 500 th of 1160 Washington elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

Public Grades PK, KG-5

500^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 1,160 Washington Elementary Schools

Better than 57% of Washington elementary schools

Summary

Rainier Elementary School is a public PK-5 school serving 493 students in the Rainier, WA area, and it stands out as a steadily improving, efficient school with particular strengths in math and supporting students from all economic backgrounds.

Academically, the school performs at or above state averages, with its math scores (49.8% proficient) being a notable strength compared to many nearby schools like Tenino Elementary School (35.7%) and Chambers Prairie Elementary School (41.8%). Its most exceptional achievement is its effectiveness with economically disadvantaged students, ranking in the 94th percentile statewide last year, which is a standout compared to other local schools with similar student demographics. Furthermore, the school achieves these strong results while spending significantly less per student than neighboring districts such as North Thurston Public Schools and Yelm School District.

While the school shows a consistent decade-long upward trend, it shares a common regional challenge where early grade proficiency can dip by 5th grade. Compared to the top local performer, East Olympia Elementary, Rainier is very competitive in math and excels in supporting a diverse student body. Overall, Rainier Elementary, supported by the well-ranked Rainier School District, is a compelling choice for families seeking a cost-effective school with a proven record of improvement and exceptional support for its students.

493

Students ?

16.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

$15,565

Per pupil spending ?

45.6%

Free/discounted lunch ?

600 W 3rd
Rainier, WA 98576-0098

(360) 446-4020

District: Rainier School District

Students who attend Rainier Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Rainier Middle School
High:	Rainier Senior High School

Racial breakdown:

White:

79.1%

Hispanic:

11.8%

Two or more races:

6.9%

See top rated Washington elementary schools

Compare Rainier Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 28th percentile in 2015 → 57th in 2025

Strengths

✓Ranking is trending up — up 29 percentile points since 2015

✓Above the Washington median (57th percentile)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school51%

District avg49%

Washington avg48%

500^th of 1,160

Washington public elementary schools ?

Top 43%▲ up 29 pts since 2015

From bottom 28% (2015) to top 43% (2025)

See the entire ranking list of Washington Elementary Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

68^th of 247Rainier School District among Washington districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	54.4	500 of 1160	56.9%	★★★☆☆
2024	62.7	414 of 1168	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	61.3	420 of 1169	64.1%	★★★☆☆
2022	52.7	517 of 1169	55.8%	★★★☆☆
2021	46.1	549 of 1107	50.4%	★★★☆☆
2019	42.2	672 of 1130	40.5%	★★☆☆☆
2018	36.4	678 of 1054	35.7%	★★☆☆☆
2017	45.1	593 of 1056	43.8%	★★☆☆☆
2016	38.2	684 of 1053	35.0%	★★☆☆☆
2015	32.3	765 of 1067	28.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2013	29.2	855 of 1106	22.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2012	31.5	830 of 1097	24.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2011	30.4	845 of 1092	22.6%	★☆☆☆☆
2010	37.4	721 of 1088	33.7%	★★☆☆☆
2009	29.4	818 of 1072	23.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2008	36.3	725 of 1067	32.1%	★★☆☆☆
2007	46.7	598 of 1069	44.1%	★★☆☆☆
2006	53.4	501 of 1051	52.3%	★★★☆☆
2005	35.1	720 of 1031	30.2%	★★☆☆☆
2004	63.3	348 of 1026	66.1%	★★★☆☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	62.1	378 of 1092	65.4%	★★★☆☆
2024	71.1	285 of 1093	73.9%	★★★★☆
2023	62.2	387 of 1094	64.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	53.7	479 of 1100	56.5%	★★★☆☆
2021	47.7	487 of 1008	51.7%	★★★☆☆
2019	33.4	766 of 1068	28.3%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	37.1	653 of 1004	35.0%	★★☆☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	69.8	233 of 1013	77.0%	★★★★☆
2024	86.4	58 of 1024	94.3%	★★★★★
2023	75.2	175 of 1013	82.7%	★★★★☆
2022	60.5	321 of 1019	68.5%	★★★☆☆
2021	82.0	73 of 854	91.5%	★★★★★
2019	56.2	425 of 979	56.6%	★★★☆☆
2018	35.9	580 of 835	30.5%	★★☆☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	43.9	603 of 1098	45.1%	★★☆☆☆
2024	52.7	492 of 1099	55.2%	★★★☆☆
2023	55.7	444 of 1099	59.6%	★★★☆☆
2022	52.2	489 of 1113	56.1%	★★★☆☆
2021	43.5	546 of 1025	46.7%	★★☆☆☆
2019	53.7	497 of 1075	53.8%	★★★☆☆
2018	37.5	643 of 999	35.6%	★★☆☆☆

Military Connected

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	58.9	16 of 45	64.4%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2024	31.0	145 of 188	22.9%	★☆☆☆☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2022	44.0	235 of 478	50.8%	★★★☆☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	43.4	574 of 1007	43.0%	★★☆☆☆
2024	53.4	463 of 1009	54.1%	★★★☆☆
2023	50.2	491 of 1011	51.4%	★★★☆☆
2022	39.6	646 of 1031	37.3%	★★☆☆☆
2021	33.1	651 of 943	31.0%	★★☆☆☆
2019	35.2	731 of 1027	28.8%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	25.8	665 of 833	20.2%	★☆☆☆☆

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)77th percentile+20 vs school

Female (2025)65th percentile+8 vs school

Military Connected (2025)64th percentile+8 vs school

Special Education (2022)51st percentile-5 vs school

Male (2025)45th percentile-12 vs school

White (2025)43rd percentile-14 vs school

Multi-racial (2024)23rd percentile-42 vs school

By subject vs Washington (2024-2025) ?

English Language Arts54%~ state avg

Math50%+7 vs state

Science49%~ state avg

5.0

1 rating · 1 written review

5★1

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

Rate Rainier Elementary School

Have first-hand experience? A quick rating - and a sentence or two about what stands out (teachers, academics, safety, communication) - helps other families know what to expect.

Takes about a minute. We email you a link to verify your review - your address is never shown publicly.

Tap a star to rate

What people are saying

by a parent
Monday, October 21, 2019

Great small town school. This our 5th elementary school our kids have attended in 5 years. Close Quote

Schools Near Rainier Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Immunizations Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				WCAS Science (2025)		SBAC English Language Arts (2025)				SBAC Math (2025)				% Completely Immunized (2024)	% Polio (2024)	% Measles (2024)	% Mumps (2024)	% Rubella (2024)	% Diphtheria (2024)	% Hepatitis B (2024)	% Varicella (2024)	% Pertussis (2024)	% Tetanus (2024)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	WCAS Science 5th Grade	WCAS Science All Grades	SBAC English Language Arts 3rd Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 4th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts 5th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts All Grades	SBAC Math 3rd Grade	SBAC Math 4th Grade	SBAC Math 5th Grade	SBAC Math All Grades	% Completely Immunized KG	% Polio KG	% Measles KG	% Mumps KG	% Rubella KG	% Diphtheria KG	% Hepatitis B KG	% Varicella KG	% Pertussis KG	% Tetanus KG	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Rainier Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	600 W 3rd	Rainier	98576	Thurston County	Rainier School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 446-4020	493	30	16.5	45.6%	390 (79.1%)	2 (0.4%)	58 (11.8%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (1.6%)	1 (0.2%)	34 (6.9%)	54.4	500^th of 1160 public elementary schools	56.9%		62.7	414^th of 1168 public elementary schools	64.6%	86	49.4	49.4	58.0	52.0	51.3	53.6	66.7	47.3	37.2	49.8	76.0	81.3	82.7	82.7	82.7	81.3	84.0	78.7	81.3	81.3	$15,565	$864	$14,700
Mill Pond Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	909 Mill Road SE	Yelm	98597	Thurston County	Yelm School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 458-3400	374	22	17.0	49.2%	227 (60.7%)	7 (1.9%)	64 (17.1%)	16 (4.3%)	4 (1.1%)	9 (2.4%)	47 (12.6%)	47.6	584^th of 1160 public elementary schools	49.7%		66.5	362^nd of 1168 public elementary schools	69.0%	222	57.6	57.6	49.3	39.6	61.0	50.3	47.8	46.2	35.6	43.3	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	95.7	$18,340	$598	$17,742
Yelm Prairie Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	16535 110th Ave. SE	Yelm	98597	Thurston County	Yelm School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 458-6261	427	25	17.2	49.9%	276 (64.6%)	5 (1.2%)	98 (23.0%)	3 (0.7%)	4 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	41 (9.6%)	51.2	547^th of 1160 public elementary schools	52.8%		46	609^th of 1168 public elementary schools	47.9%	62	46.2	46.2	41.3	63.2	41.6	47.2	58.8	59.7	40.3	52.3	94.8	96.6	96.6	96.6	96.6	96.6	98.3	94.8	96.6	96.6	$18,584	$829	$17,755
Fort Stevens Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	16525 100th Way SE	Yelm	98597	Thurston County	Yelm School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 458-4800	462	30	15.3	58.2%	256 (55.4%)	15 (3.2%)	115 (24.9%)	14 (3.0%)	4 (0.9%)	13 (2.8%)	45 (9.7%)	67.6	343^rd of 1160 public elementary schools	70.4%		53.9	507^th of 1168 public elementary schools	56.6%	164	55.7	55.7	58.9	50.7	58.2	56.1	80.6	56.3	53.2	63.1	93.8	95.0	97.5	97.5	97.5	93.8	96.3	97.5	93.8	93.8	$18,506	$1,163	$17,343
Southworth Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	13849 Yelm Hwy SE	Yelm	98597	Thurston County	Yelm School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 458-2500	671	33	20.1	46.5%	372 (55.4%)	26 (3.9%)	143 (21.3%)	28 (4.2%)	15 (2.2%)	13 (1.9%)	74 (11.0%)	40.2	679^th of 1160 public elementary schools	41.5%		43	645^th of 1168 public elementary schools	44.8%	34	58.7	58.7	35.4	37.8	56.4	42.6	48.2	41.5	33.0	41.2	95.3	96.2	98.1	98.1	98.1	95.3	98.1	98.1	95.3	95.3	$16,276	$564	$15,712
Tenino Elementary School	Public	3-5	301 Old Highway 99 N	Tenino	98589	Thurston County	Tenino School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 264-3700	293	19	15.6	58.4%	224 (76.5%)	9 (3.1%)	37 (12.6%)	2 (0.7%)	2 (0.7%)	1 (0.3%)	18 (6.1%)	31.1	814^th of 1160 public elementary schools	29.8%		40.3	674^th of 1168 public elementary schools	42.3%	140	39.1	39.1	42.6	45.9	44.2	44.1	39.6	40.0	28.6	35.7											$16,754	$672	$16,082
McKenna Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	35120 Sr 507 S	McKenna	98558	Pierce County	Yelm School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 458-2400	418	23	17.9	49.3%	257 (61.5%)	7 (1.7%)	103 (24.6%)	4 (1.0%)	3 (0.7%)	3 (0.7%)	41 (9.8%)	56.4	480^th of 1160 public elementary schools	58.6%		53.1	516^th of 1168 public elementary schools	55.8%	36	54.2	54.2	56.1	46.3	61.6	54.8	66.7	47.8	35.6	48.7	89.7	91.4	98.3	98.3	98.3	91.4	94.8	93.1	91.4	91.4	$17,017	$536	$16,481
Parkside Elementary	Public	PK, KG-2	301 Central Avenue	Tenino	98589	Thurston County	Tenino School District	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 264-3800	316	17	18.2	52.5%	258 (81.6%)	2 (0.6%)	27 (8.5%)	3 (0.9%)	2 (0.6%)	2 (0.6%)	20 (6.3%)								(n/a)											85.7	87.8	88.8	88.8	88.8	89.8	95.9	86.7	89.8	89.8	$18,612	$2,084	$16,527
East Olympia Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	8700 Rich Road	Olympia	98501	Thurston County	Tumwater School District	No	No	No	No	(360) 709-7150	579	35	16.6	35.6%	373 (64.4%)	17 (2.9%)	114 (19.7%)	25 (4.3%)	3 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (8.1%)	61.8	412^th of 1160 public elementary schools	64.5%		71.8	297^th of 1168 public elementary schools	74.6%	115	55.9	55.9	61.5	60.5	54.4	58.7	69.4	49.4	37.3	52.6	90.8	92.0	94.3	94.3	94.3	92.0	90.8	92.0	92.0	92.0	$16,037	$274	$15,763
Chambers Prairie Elementary School	Public	K-5	6501 Virginia St SE	Lacey	98513	Thurston County	North Thurston Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(360) 412-4400	490	33	14.7	57.8%	203 (41.4%)	39 (8.0%)	100 (20.4%)	24 (4.9%)	9 (1.8%)	17 (3.5%)	98 (20.0%)	35	749^th of 1160 public elementary schools	35.4%		41.1	664^th of 1168 public elementary schools	43.2%	85	40.5	40.5	41.3	46.6	41.3	43.1	41.3	47.2	36.3	41.8	90.5	90.5	92.9	92.9	92.9	90.5	91.7	92.9	90.5	90.5	$18,204	$1,191	$17,014

Frequently Asked Questions about Rainier Elementary School

What is the racial makeup of Rainier Elementary School?

Students at Rainier Elementary School are 79% White, 12% Hispanic, 7% Two or more races, 2% American Indian.

How many students attend Rainier Elementary School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 493 students attended Rainier Elementary School.

What district is Rainier Elementary School in?

Rainier School District

Is Rainier Elementary School a good school?

Rainier Elementary School ranks 500^th of 1160 Washington elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.

What schools do graduates of Rainier Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Rainier Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Rainier Middle School
High : Rainier Senior High School

Rate Rainier Elementary School!

Other helpful SchoolDigger resources...

Compare to nearby schools

WAWashington Elementary School Rankings

WAWashington District Rankings

Schools in Rainier, WA

Sign up for updates!

Be the first to know when there is an update for Rainier Elementary School!

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.