Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98178

The schools in the 98178 zip code area serve a diverse student population, with 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, primarily within the Renton School District, except for Rainier View Elementary which is part of the Seattle School District. While some schools like Bryn Mawr Elementary and Campbell Hill Elementary perform relatively well, there are significant gaps in academic achievement compared to district and state averages, with schools like Dimmitt Middle and Lakeridge Elementary ranking in the bottom 10-20% statewide.

The high rates of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 60.42% at Bryn Mawr to 79.89% at Lakeridge Elementary, indicate widespread economic disadvantage in the community, which likely contributes to the academic challenges faced by the schools. Spending per student varies, from $18,656 at Dimmitt Middle to $24,910 at Talley High, with the elementary schools spending around $20,500-$21,000 per student.

While the schools in the 98178 zip code serve a racially diverse student population, the data reveals a concerning 53.1% four-year graduation rate and a 28.1% dropout rate at Talley High School, significantly worse than typical high school performance. Addressing the performance gaps, high poverty levels, and variation in school quality will be critical to improving educational outcomes for the students in this community.