Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 98404

Elementary schools in ZIP code 98404 include eight schools serving 3,137 students, generally in grades PK–5, with Impact Public Schools serving K–5; the area has relatively high economic need, with free- and reduced-price lunch participation averaging about 70%. Seven schools belong to the Tacoma School District, while Impact is part of the Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary district. Academic results vary considerably from one school to another, so ZIP-code averages alone do not tell the full story.

Lyon Elementary is the clear academic leader, with the highest current proficiency in English language arts, math, and science, and the only school in the area at or above the statewide median ranking. Its science proficiency is especially strong at 63.46%, and it made the largest recent gains. Impact Public Schools is the second-strongest overall, with particularly solid ELA and science results and the area’s lowest student-teacher ratio, although its ranking and math performance declined recently. Fawcett Elementary stands out in third grade, posting the highest third-grade math and one of the strongest third-grade ELA results. Boze Elementary has relatively balanced results and a stable ranking.

Families comparing schools should also note the challenges at Lister Elementary, which has the lowest current results and especially weak fourth-grade math and ELA performance. Sheridan Elementary has remained among the lower-ranked schools, with recent declines in ELA and math. Roosevelt Elementary improved in all three subjects but remains below district and state averages, while Blix Elementary improved somewhat in math but continues to post modest overall results. Across the area, fourth-grade math is the most consistent weakness, and school spending or staffing ratios alone do not explain the differences in outcomes.