Washington is the #12 largest school system in the United States, serving 1,102,111 students across the 2,564 public schools for the 2026 school year (there are 772 private schools, serving 111,432 students). 91% of all K-12 students in Washington attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Washington is 41%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 53%.
The top-ranked public schools in Washington are Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School, and Stephen Decatur Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
Minority enrollment is 52%, with the majority being Hispanic and the student-teacher ratio is 18:1.
Top-Ranked Public Schools in Washington (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Cascadia Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 97%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 97% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
1700 N 90th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-5914
Rank: #1 - 21. - 2.
Challenge Elementary School
Alternative School
(Math: 97% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-6
5409 228th St Sw
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 431-7157
Rank: #33.
Stephen Decatur Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: K-5
7711 43rd Ave Ne
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 252-3230
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Nikola Tesla Stem High School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 9-12
4301 228th Ave Ne
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Redmond, WA 98053
(425) 936-2770
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Northstar Middle School
Alternative School
(Math: 90-94% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 90-94% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
10903 Ne 53rd St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-1760
Rank: #66.
Medina Elementary School
(Math: 94% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 94% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
8001 Ne 8th St.
Medina, WA 98039
(425) 456-5400
Medina, WA 98039
(425) 456-5400
Rank: #77.
International Community School
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 92% | Reading: 95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 92% (Top 1%)
Reading: 95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-12
11133 Ne 65th St
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Kirkland, WA 98033
(425) 936-2380
Rank: #88.
Cherry Crest Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 94% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
12400 N.e. 32nd St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Bellevue, WA 98005
(425) 456-4900
Rank: #99.
Stella Schola
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 85-89% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
13505 Ne 75th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 936-2475
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 936-2475
Rank: #1010.
Sunrise Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 93%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 91% (Top 1%)
Reading: 93% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-5
14075 172 Av Ne
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 408-5300
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 408-5300
Overview
This State (WA)
# Schools
2,564 Schools
# Students
1,102,111 Students
Gender %
# Teachers
62,276 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
Student By Grade
State Acdeamy
State Average (WA)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
Graduation Rate
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
8%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.69
# American Indian Students
14,078 Students
% American Indian Students
1%
# Asian Students
97,776 Students
% Asian Students
9%
# Hispanic Students
284,911 Students
% Hispanic Students
26%
# Black Students
52,278 Students
% Black Students
5%
# White Students
529,033 Students
% White Students
48%
# Hawaiian Students
15,944 Students
% Hawaiian Students
2%
# Two or more races Students
97,439 Students
% of Two or more races Students
9%
All Ethnic Groups
State Revenue and Spending
This State (WA)
Total Revenue (23-24)
$20,715 MM
Spending (23-24)
$21,212 MM
Revenue / Student (23-24)
$18,796
Spending / Student (23-24)
$19,246
Best Washington Public Schools by County (2026)
Popular neighborhoods: West Seattle (14 schools), West End (13 schools), Highline (12 schools), Northeast Seattle (10 schools), New Tacoma (10 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Washington?
The top-ranked public schools in Washington include Cascadia Elementary School, Challenge Elementary School, and Stephen Decatur Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Washington?
2,564 public schools are located in Washington.
What percentage of students in Washington go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in Washington attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Washington?
Minority enrollment in Washington is 52%, with the majority being Hispanic.
Which public schools in Washington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Washington include: Southwood Elementary School vs. Sunrise Elementary School, Peninsula High School vs. Gig Harbor High School, Sequim Senior High School vs. Port Angeles High School
Recent Articles
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Key Questions
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences: Questions Every Parent Should Ask to support academic growth, social development, and 2026 classroom goals.
Prepare for Spring Tests Without Anxiety
Learn how to prepare for spring standardized tests without increasing anxiety using proven strategies for families and schools.
Why Public Schools Are Launching Marketing Campaigns in 2026
Discover why public schools are launching marketing campaigns in 2026 and how enrollment shifts, school choice, and funding pressures are driving change.
