Summary:
The 98102 zip code in Seattle contains two elementary schools, TOPS K-8 School and Lowell Elementary School, both part of the highly-rated Seattle School District No. 1, which performs in the 82nd percentile statewide.
These two schools present a stark contrast in academic performance. TOPS K-8 School is a consistent standout, earning a 4-star rating and scoring significantly above district and state averages in all subjects, with over 73% of students proficient in English and Science. In contrast, Lowell Elementary School has seen a concerning decline to a 1-star rating, with proficiency rates roughly 30-40 points below the district averages, placing it in the bottom quartile of schools.
This performance gap is notable given the differences in resources and demographics. Lowell receives about 33% more funding per student and has a lower student-teacher ratio than TOPS, challenging simple assumptions about resources and outcomes. Furthermore, TOPS demonstrates strong, consistent growth in test scores across grade levels, while Lowell's scores show declines in later elementary grades, particularly in mathematics.
Thank you for your feedback!