- Tacoma Pierce County Education Center — 0.1 mi · Grades 9–12
- Comm Based Trans Program — 0.2 mi · Grades 12–12 · 71 students
- Tacoma School of the Arts — 0.2 mi · Grades 9–12 · 658 students
- Alternative Spcl Needs Div Occ — 0.2 mi · Grades 9–12
- Special Services — 0.2 mi · Grades PK–12 · 9 students
- Tacoma Open Doors — 0.6 mi · Grades 9–12 · 392 students
- Bryant Montessori School — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 313 students
- Edna Travis Elementary School — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 337 students
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| Metric | Tacoma Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 28,311 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 69 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $19,619/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 11% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 242 rated districts in WA → 39th percentile → 4/10.
Source: Washington OSPI SBAC ELA & Math, Meets/Exceeds Standard, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Tacoma Public Schools
Families in zip code 98402 (Tacoma, Washington) are assigned to Tacoma 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 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Tacoma Public Schools ranks among Washington’s below 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.
Tacoma Public Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Washington benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 98402
Children in zip code 98402 are assigned to Tacoma 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 98402, 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 Tacoma Public Schools at (253)571-1000 or visit the district’s official website. 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 Tacoma
For families considering a purchase in the Tacoma area, district assignment matters financially. Because Tacoma Public Schools serves zip code 98402, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 98402. 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 Tacoma 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 98402.
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 Tacoma Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 98402 data.