Best High Schools in Zip Code 98424

This analysis covers two public high schools serving grades 9-12 in the 98424 zip code of Tacoma, Washington, both operated by the Fife School District.

Fife High School is the district's traditional comprehensive high school with about 885 students, while Fife Open Doors is a much smaller alternative program serving around 25 students. Fife High School shows notable academic strengths in English Language Arts, where it exceeds the state average, but has significant challenges in mathematics performance. Despite this, it maintains a graduation rate above the state average. In contrast, Fife Open Doors serves a student population with a much higher rate of economic disadvantage and has historically had a much lower graduation rate, though current-year data is unavailable.

Comparing the two, Fife High School receives more funding per student and has shown a recent decline in its statewide ranking, which is a point for further investigation. The Fife School District as a whole is rated below the state median. For parents, Fife High School represents the main academic pathway with mixed results, excelling in English but needing improvement in math and science. Fife Open Doors provides an alternative setting for students who may not thrive in a traditional environment, though with different performance outcomes.