Summary:
ZIP code 98055 includes seven schools serving about 2,786 students in the Renton area, with options spanning elementary through high school as well as specialized alternative programs. All are part of the Renton School District, which has a 3-star rating and ranks around the middle of Washington districts. The largest schools are Renton Senior High School and Nelsen Middle School, while Talbot Hill Elementary School is the area’s traditional elementary option.
Talbot Hill Elementary School stands out as the strongest traditional school. It ranks in the 69th percentile statewide and reports 2025–2026 proficiency of 53.48% in English Language Arts, 63.04% in math, and 47.30% in science. Its results improved in all three subjects, especially math. By comparison, Nelsen Middle School reports 36.22% ELA, 25.14% math, and 38.33% science proficiency, while Renton Senior High School reports 39.91% ELA, 26.13% math, and 34.27% science. Math is the clearest weakness at both secondary schools. Renton Senior High’s graduation rate is 75.7%, below district and state rates, although its dropout rate is close to the district average.
The alternative programs serve different purposes and should not be compared directly with neighborhood schools. The H.O.M.E. Program has shown strong results in some years, but current data is incomplete. Open Door Youth Reengagement serves students returning to education and has much lower completion outcomes, reflecting its specialized mission. Renton Academy has only 24 students, so its unusually high spending per student and very low student-teacher ratio are heavily influenced by its small size. Out Of District Facility is also a small specialized program. Suppressed test results should be treated as unavailable, not as evidence of poor performance.
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