Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 98032

Elementary schools in ZIP code 98032 include four schools serving about 1,879 students in PK–5 or K–5 across the Kent School District and Federal Way School District. The schools serve an area where free- and reduced-price lunch participation is high, ranging from about 67% to 82%, so families should consider academic results alongside each school’s student needs, programs, support services, and overall fit.

Neely O Brien Elementary School is the clear academic leader. It ranks in the 53rd percentile statewide and has the highest 2025–2026 proficiency in ELA (50.21%), math (42.74%), and science (60.98%). It also has the most favorable student-teacher ratio, at 13.2 students per teacher, and showed the largest ranking improvement over three years. Star Lake Elementary School is the strongest Federal Way option, ranking in the 33rd percentile with 43.92% ELA and 35.98% math proficiency. It has performed consistently and leads the Federal Way schools in both subjects, although its science result is 38.24%.

Kent Elementary School has made a substantial ranking improvement, but math remains a major concern: only 25.73% of students are proficient overall, including 22.06% in fourth grade and 20.90% in fifth grade. Sunnycrest Elementary School has the lowest current results, with 24.00% proficiency in ELA and 20.55% in math, and ranks in the 10th percentile statewide. Science is a relative bright spot at Sunnycrest, where proficiency rose sharply to 38.46%. Across the ZIP code, science is the strongest subject overall, while math—especially in upper elementary grades—is the clearest shared improvement priority.