For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 3,324 students in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA.
The top-ranked public schools in South Tacoma are Edison Elementary School, Manitou Park Elementary School and Mount Tahoma High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 53% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Washington public school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Edison Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
5830 S Pine St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1700
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-1700
Gr: PK-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Manitou Park Elementary School
(Math: 22% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4330 S 66th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5300
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5300
Gr: PK-5 | 429 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
Mount Tahoma High School
(Math: 12% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
4634 S 74th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3852
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3852
Gr: 9-12 | 1,410 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #44.
Arlington Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
7202 South Pine Street
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3200
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-3200
Gr: PK-5 | 390 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #55.
Gray Middle School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
6229 S Tyler St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5200
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5200
Gr: 6-8 | 510 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #66.
Oakland High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
3319 S Adams St
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5102
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 571-5102
Gr: 9-12 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: n/an/a
Insight School Of Wa Open Doors Program
Alternative School
2601 S 35th St Ste 100
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 292-5817
Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 292-5817
Gr: 9-12 | 8 students Minority enrollment: 38%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma, WA include Edison Elementary School, Manitou Park Elementary School and Mount Tahoma High School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma?
8 public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma?
the neighborhood of South Tacoma, Tacoma public schools minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Washington public schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.