Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98058

The 98058 zip code area is home to 11 schools, including 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school, spread across the Renton School District and Kent School District. While the area has a mix of high-performing and struggling schools, a few standouts emerge, including Northwood Middle School, which consistently ranks among the top middle schools in the state, and Ridgewood Elementary School, which is a high performer with exceptional test scores.

The data reveals a wide disparity in academic performance across the schools, with a clear correlation between socioeconomic status and test scores. Schools with higher free/reduced lunch rates, such as Renton Park Elementary and Honey Dew Elementary, tend to have lower proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math. This suggests significant inequities in educational opportunities and resources within the 98058 zip code area.

The strong performance of Northwood Middle School highlights the critical role of middle schools in preparing students for success in high school. However, the lack of a clear correlation between per-student spending and test scores may indicate that simply increasing funding is not enough to improve outcomes. Effective allocation and targeting of resources may be more important in addressing the disparities observed in this area.