Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98148

Zip code 98148 in the Burien and Des Moines area is served by five public schools within the Highline School District, including one elementary school, three high schools, and one alternative homeschool center, collectively educating about 2,360 students.

There is a significant performance gap among the high schools. CHOICE Academy is the standout, ranking in the top 12% of high schools statewide with exceptionally strong test scores, while the larger, traditional Highline High School ranks much lower. Big Picture School has shown impressive recent improvement. For elementary students, North Hill Elementary consistently performs above both district and state averages.

Key takeaways are that smaller, alternative school models like CHOICE and Big Picture are achieving strong results in this community, and that elementary science performance is notably high but drops off in high school. While the district overall ranks in the bottom quartile in Washington, these schools demonstrate that pockets of excellence exist, offering parents in the area distinct educational options.