- Discovery Primary School — 0.4 mi · Grades PK–2 · 506 students
- Surprise Lake Middle School — 0.5 mi · Grades 6–7 · 613 students
- Hedden Elementary School — 1.8 mi · Grades 3–5 · 469 students
- Fife High School — 1.9 mi · Grades 10–12 · 885 students
- Fife Open Doors — 1.9 mi · Grades 10–12 · 25 students
- Fife Elementary School — 1.9 mi · Grades K–5 · 866 students
- Columbia Junior High School — 2.3 mi · Grades 8–9 · 619 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | Fife Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,893 | 3,544 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 7 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $17,782/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 6/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fife Public Schools (this district) | 6/10 | 50th | 3,893 |
| Auburn School District | 4/10 | 38th | 17,857 |
| Puyallup School District | 8/10 | 71st | 23,104 |
| Federal Way School District | 2/10 | 18th | 21,606 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 242 rated districts in WA → 50th percentile → 6/10.
Source: Washington OSPI SBAC ELA & Math, Meets/Exceeds Standard, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Fife Public Schools
Families in zip code 98354 (Milton, Washington) are assigned to Fife Public Schools 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 6/10 Rating
With a rating of 6/10 (average), Fife Public Schools ranks among Washington’s average-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.
Fife Public Schools falls near the middle of Washington on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 98354
Children in zip code 98354 are assigned to Fife Public Schools 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 98354, 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 Fife Public Schools at (253)517-1000 or visit www.fifeschools.com. 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 Milton
For families considering a purchase in the Milton area, district assignment matters financially. Because Fife Public Schools serves zip code 98354, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 98354. 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 Fife Public Schools 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 98354.
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 Fife Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 98354 data.