Best High Schools in Zip Code 98042

ZIP code 98042 includes two public high schools—Kentwood High School and Kentlake High School—serving grades 9–12 in the Kent School District, with a combined enrollment of about 3,556 students. Both schools have strong graduation results compared with the district and Washington state: Kentwood graduates 88.9% of students and Kentlake graduates 88.7%, versus 86.5% districtwide and 82.6% statewide. Kentwood has the lower dropout rate, 3.4% compared with Kentlake’s 6.4%, making persistence and staying on track a notable advantage for Kentwood.

For current academic performance, Kentlake has the stronger overall momentum. It ranks at the 49th percentile statewide, ahead of Kentwood at the 40th percentile, and its ranking has improved substantially over the past three years. Kentlake also leads in the latest English language arts results, 58.33% versus 55.78%, and science, 44.29% versus 37.23%. Kentwood’s ranking has declined from the 61st percentile to the 40th percentile, although it had stronger ELA and science results the previous year and still has slightly better math performance. Kentlake reports higher spending per student and a lower student-teacher ratio, while Kentwood is the larger school.

Math is the clearest shared concern for families considering either school. Only 28.35% of Kentwood students and 27.62% of Kentlake students reached proficiency, below both district and state results. Kentwood may need to focus on reversing recent declines in ELA and science as well as its ranking trend. Kentlake’s priorities are maintaining its recent academic improvement and reducing its higher dropout rate. Overall, Kentlake appears stronger on current academic momentum and ranking, while Kentwood offers slightly better dropout and graduation outcomes; families should weigh those differences alongside programs, school climate, transportation, and their student’s individual needs.