Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98003

This analysis covers 17 schools in the Federal Way School District within zip code 98003, serving grades K-12 in a district that ranks in the bottom quartile statewide.

Academic performance varies widely across the area, with Federal Way Public Academy standing out as a top-performing middle school, while several elementary schools like Mark Twain Elementary School and Panther Lake Elementary School rank in the lowest percentiles. The district's average test scores, particularly in math where most schools fall below 25% proficiency, trail the state average by a significant margin. Nautilus K-8 School is another relatively stronger performer, consistently scoring above district averages.

Traditional high schools like Federal Way High School and Todd Beamer High School have graduation rates above state and district averages, but alternative programs face greater challenges, with Open Doors Youth Reengagement (1418) showing a very low graduation rate. There is no clear link between higher per-student spending and better outcomes in this district, indicating that factors beyond funding significantly influence school performance.