Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98166

Zip code 98166 has five schools serving about 2,215 students from preschool through 12th grade: three elementary schools, one middle school, and one virtual alternative program, with no traditional high school listed. All are part of Highline School District, which receives a one-star rating and ranks near the lower end of Washington districts in the supplied data. School quality varies considerably across the area, so comparing individual schools is more informative than relying on the district average.

Marvista Elementary is the strongest overall option based on test results. It leads the local schools in English language arts, math, and science, with proficiency rates of 61.11%, 51.28%, and 64.38%, respectively—above Washington averages in all three subjects. Gregory Heights Elementary is the next strongest, also exceeding district averages in every subject and showing especially good recent growth in English language arts. Both schools have weaker fifth-grade math results than their lower grades, which may be worth asking about. Sylvester Middle School performs above district averages in all subjects, with science its notable strength. Its statewide standing has improved steadily, although its English and math results remain below state averages.

Seahurst Elementary School is the main area of concern. It has the lowest traditional-school proficiency rates in the group—24.62% in English language arts, 20.92% in math, and 22.06% in science—and particularly weak fifth-grade math performance. Its student population also has the highest reported level of economic need, an important context when considering results, though the data does not explain the causes. Highline Public Schools Virtual Academy should be evaluated separately because it serves students in a virtual, alternative PK–12 setting. It has mixed academic results, low math proficiency, a 56.4% graduation rate, and a high dropout rate, but direct comparisons with neighborhood schools may be misleading.