Best High Schools in Zip Code 98409

This analysis examines three high schools serving grades 9-12 in Tacoma's 98409 zip code: the large comprehensive Mount Tahoma High School, the alternative Oakland High School, and the very small online Insight School of WA Open Doors Program.

Mount Tahoma High School is the largest and has the highest graduation rate at 86.3%, though its academic proficiency scores, especially in math, are below state averages. Oakland High School, an alternative school, spends nearly twice as much per student but has a much lower graduation rate of 52.0%; however, its state ranking has shown significant recent improvement. Both schools serve a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and are part of the Tacoma School District, which ranks in the 36th percentile statewide.

Key takeaways include a notable gap between per-student spending and graduation outcomes between the two main schools, highlighting how school type and student needs influence results. All schools in the area face academic proficiency challenges compared to state averages. The data suggests families should consider each school's specific mission—whether traditional comprehensive, alternative, or online—when evaluating fit, as they serve distinct student populations with varying resources and results.