Serving 305 students in grades Prekindergarten-3, Whittier Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55-59% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-3
- Enrollment: 305 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Whittier Elementary School's student population of 305 students has declined by 19% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has declined by 29% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-3
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
305 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Rankings
Whittier Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whittier Elementary School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#509 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
53%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
Asian
6%
9%
Hispanic
17%
27%
Black
16%
5%
White
34%
47%
Hawaiian
4%
2%
Two or more races
23%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.7%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcats
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whittier Elementary School's ranking?
Whittier Elementary School is ranked #509 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Whittier Elementary School often compared to?
Whittier Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Evergreen Primary by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 55-59% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Whittier Elementary School?
305 students attend Whittier Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Whittier Elementary School students are White, 23% of students are Two or more races, 17% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whittier Elementary School?
Whittier Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Whittier Elementary School offer ?
Whittier Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-3 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Whittier Elementary School part of?
Whittier Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
School Reviews
Review Whittier Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
