Best Public Schools in Zip Code 98513

ZIP code 98513 includes six schools serving approximately 3,836 students across elementary, middle, and high school grades, with four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Five schools are part of North Thurston Public Schools, while Wa He Lut Indian School serves students in grades K–8 separately. The schools show considerable variation in academic performance, with the strongest results generally found at the middle-school level and more mixed outcomes among the elementary and high schools.

Aspire Performing Arts Academy is the clear academic standout, ranking in the 88th percentile statewide and outperforming state averages in ELA, math, and science. It is followed among elementary schools by Meadows Elementary, which ranks in the 70th percentile and performs above state levels in all three subjects, particularly science. Horizons Elementary is also competitive, with especially strong math results and science performance slightly above the state. By comparison, Chambers Prairie Elementary School has the lowest North Thurston ranking and its greatest challenge is ELA, although its math results are close to the state average.

River Ridge High School has improved substantially in statewide ranking and has strong ELA performance, with an 84.3% graduation rate that exceeds the state rate. However, math and science proficiency remain below district and state averages, and its dropout rate is comparatively high. Recent trends are mixed: River Ridge improved in all subjects, while Meadows made a notable science gain; Aspire’s math results and Horizons’ ELA results declined. Reported spending and student-teacher ratios do not consistently track performance, so parents should consider academic subjects, grade-level results, graduation information, and each school’s particular programs and setting rather than relying on one measure.