Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98198

This analysis covers 10 schools in zip code 98198, serving parts of Des Moines and SeaTac, which include six elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools educating about 5,700 students across four different districts.

Overall, schools in this area face significant academic challenges, with average test scores in English and Math well below state averages, and many schools serve a high percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. However, there are standout performers, including Maritime High School, which achieves the highest academic ranking, and Mount Rainier High School, which boasts a strong 87.5% graduation rate. Among elementary schools, Des Moines Elementary shows the strongest academic results.

Conversely, several schools, particularly River Ridge Elementary and Midway Elementary, have consistently ranked in the lowest percentile statewide. The data reveals that higher per-student spending does not guarantee better outcomes, and specialized or smaller school models, like Maritime High, often outperform larger comprehensive schools. Most schools are part of the Highline School District, which shows a mix of struggling and successful schools, indicating that effective programs can succeed even within broader challenges.