Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98198

ZIP code 98198 has 10 schools serving about 5,701 students from elementary through high school, with generally low elementary and middle-school proficiency but stronger results at some high schools and noticeable differences among schools and districts.

For elementary and K-8 families, Woodmont K-8 School is the strongest overall performer, leading the local elementary group in ELA proficiency at 38.59% and math at 34.90%, while also having the area’s best elementary SchoolDigger ranking. Des Moines Elementary is another strong option, with the second-best elementary ranking and the highest science proficiency at 32.08%. Both schools outperform their district averages in several grade-level subjects. Results are weaker at Midway Elementary and River Ridge Elementary, while Parkside Elementary and Madrona Elementary fall between the highest and lowest performers. Across the elementary schools, average proficiency remains well below state levels, especially in math and science. Most traditional schools also report high free/reduced-price lunch participation, indicating substantial economic need and important context when comparing results.

At the secondary level, Mount Rainier High School is the clearest standout, with an 87.5% graduation rate, a 6.9% dropout rate, ELA proficiency above the state average, and the only current ranking near the statewide midpoint. Its main weakness is math, at 29.69%. Pacific Middle School has low overall results but comparatively better 8th-grade performance, including ELA and math above its Highline School District averages. Historical results from Maritime High School were encouraging, particularly in ELA, but many current results are suppressed because of its small enrollment. Cascade Public Schools also has suppressed assessment data and a reported 62% graduation rate. Suppressed figures should be treated as unknown, not as failing results.