- Des Moines Elementary — 0.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 500 students
- Mount Rainier High School — 0.7 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,846 students
- Pacific Middle School — 0.7 mi · Grades 6–8 · 604 students
- Midway Elementary — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 548 students
- Parkside Elementary — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 535 students
- Madrona Elementary — 2.2 mi · Grades PK–5 · 317 students
- Maritime High School — 2.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 126 students
- North Hill Elementary — 2.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 518 students
with district
| Metric | Highline School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 18,048 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 43 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $21,280/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 21% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 242 rated districts in WA → 16th percentile → 2/10.
Source: Washington OSPI SBAC ELA & Math, Meets/Exceeds Standard, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Highline School District
Families in zip code 98198 (Seattle, Washington) are assigned to Highline School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (low-rated), Highline School District ranks among Washington’s low-rated-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Washington’s SBAC ELA & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Washington is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Highline School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Washington on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 98198
Children in zip code 98198 are assigned to Highline School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 98198, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Highline School District at (206)631-3000 or visit www.highlineschools.org/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Washington districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Seattle
For families considering a purchase in the Seattle area, district assignment matters financially. Because Highline School District serves zip code 98198, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 98198. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Washington, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Highline School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 98198.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Highline School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 98198 data.