Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98501

Zip code 98501 in the Olympia and Tumwater area of Washington is served by 15 diverse schools, including eight elementary schools, one middle school, five high schools, and one alternative K-12 school, collectively educating about 7,400 students across three main districts: the high-performing Olympia School District, the solid Tumwater School District, and the smaller Mary M. Knight School District.

For families, the standout schools are clear: Olympia High School is a top-tier performer in the state, Washington Middle School is highly ranked, and Centennial Elementary leads among elementary schools. In contrast, some schools show room for growth, such as the fully virtual Washington Connections Academy - Mary M. Knight and Peter G Schmidt Elementary, which has seen a recent decline in its state ranking.

Overall, schools in this zip code exceed state averages in test scores and graduation rates. Interesting patterns include the strong performance of the Olympia district compared to Tumwater, especially in science, and the fact that higher per-student spending doesn't always guarantee better results. Parents will also find unique options like Olympia Regional Learning Academy, which has excellent test scores but a different student profile, and specialized career programs at New Market Skills Center.