Summary:
ZIP code 98003 includes 15 schools serving about 9,037 students across elementary, middle, high school, K–8, alternative, and reengagement programs. All are part of the Federal Way School District, which ranks around the 23rd percentile statewide. The area offers a very uneven mix of schools: a few perform well above district and state averages, while others face significant challenges in math, science, and student completion. Because the schools serve different grades and missions, parents should compare similar schools rather than relying only on the districtwide ranking.
Federal Way Public Academy is the clear academic standout, ranking in the 88th statewide percentile among middle schools. Its 2025–26 proficiency rates—73% in English language arts, 63% in math, and 69% in science—far exceed district averages. Nautilus K–8 School is the strongest broad K–8 option, with proficiency above both district and state averages and major improvement over the prior year. Wildwood Elementary School is another improving school, especially in ELA and math. Mirror Lake Elementary School also showed a notable science gain, although its overall results remain below district averages.
Traditional high schools have respectable graduation outcomes but weaker academic proficiency, particularly in math and science. Federal Way High School leads the traditional high schools with an 87.9% graduation rate and a 7.4% dropout rate, while Todd Beamer High School also exceeds the state graduation rate. Internet Academy and Open Doors Youth Reengagement serve students needing alternative pathways, so their much lower graduation rates should not be compared directly with comprehensive high schools. Suppressed results are unavailable, not zero, and small or specialized programs should be judged in context.
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