2023 Best School Districts in Pierce County

• University Place, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  32 reviews

Sophomore: Honestly, though high school has its up and downs, the University Place School District has done an amazing job supporting every student. When it comes to preparation for after school, they provide students with all sorts of plans, not just college. When in school, they have a huge selection of classes at the high school to help you narrow down your interests. Most of the staff truly want you to succeed and it shows. Athletics are surprisingly good for a well-off academic school. Our aquatic teams can be relied on to win state most years, and other teams too! There are community events and just a great culture all centered around the school district. Overall it’s an amazing school district that most others just can’t top.... Read 32 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 8

• Students 5,661

• Steilacoom, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  35 reviews

Senior: I have been in the Steilacoom School District since kindergarten as well as my father and uncles. There are 2 elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The children of Steilacoom and Dupont end up attending this school district. I feel that it is a much better environment than many of the other districts in our area. We are given opportunities to different sports, clubs, activities, and opportunities offered in our community. It is fairly safe as it is in a nice area and primarily middle class families are in this district. I would recommend any family to send their children to this school district as it is safe, offers good education, and promotes diversity throughout.... Read 35 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 10

• Students 3,133

• Tacoma, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.28 out of 5  43 reviews

Sophomore: Fife is a pretty generic public school. It has its fair share of kids and everyone is nice. It’s kinda really average to the point where nothing happens at the school. The school itself seems very aware and accepting of everything going on recently. The only thing it really lacks is in academics. The school is pretty wealthy so it puts a lot of money into the technology department which I think is very good. However, because it is a small district it doesn’t have a wide variety of classes. I think that the art and music departments lack support the teachers fund most of it. I just think that the school should fund more of programs in those categories. Also, if you’re a more mathematic science person Fife doesn’t offer much in those categories. I don’t think there is a known math club or science club you also can’t skip courses. They do spend a lot on business and sports clubs though and are known for it well. Overall the student body is socially active and It’s a pretty good school.... Read 43 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,779

• Sumner, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  55 reviews

Senior: I am currently a senior in high-school who didn’t get much of a high-school experience. My freshmen year got cut short so I only went to school for 7 months till covid struck; then my sophomore year was all online and i’m currently full running start student for these past 2 years. But, the time I did have at Sumner High, was good! The people are so kind hearted, everyone helps everybody and we are all like family there. The football games were my favorite; I never went to them until last year and this year but the whole community that shows up is beautiful. It’s such amazing memories to make with your friends, seeing everyone do cheers, taking pictures and running onto the field after was great. One thing I would change would be how many kids go to this school, they are building a whole new add on to the school cause we have so many kids. I just feel it’s a little to over crowded but you do get a chance to meet so many new people this way! I would say overall my experience was good... Read 55 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 15

• Students 9,793

• Gig Harbor, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.02 out of 5  45 reviews

Senior: Born and raised in Gig Harbor, Washington, I have grown up learning through the Peninsula School District. From Purdy Elementry to Peninsula High School, my overall education experience has been incredible. No matter what grade I was in, I always had endless support from the teachers and staff at each school. Peninsula School District always makes sure their students are safe and in the best learning environment. Every teacher in the district makes sure each and every student of theirs is successful and ready for the next step in their education. Whether it's helping individual students after class or providing additional learning resources, all teachers in the district ensure that their students are continuously growing and learning.... Read 45 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 17

• Students 8,603

• Buckley, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  56 reviews

Senior: White River is an amazing school district. The staff are understanding and always there to help! The learning process is outstanding with teacher's providing freedom in the classroom. In a research class, I had a classmate that was allowed to paint and redecorate a classroom in order to test student's learning. This was possible because of the freedom and support from the administration and school district. The high school AP program is above and beyond with supporting students through learning and lifting one another up. Throughout COVID-19, AP teacher's continued to greatly support students toward passing the test. I was able to earn the score of a five on all my AP tests this year, but I could not have done it without the support from my teachers. I even had former teacher's encourage me throughout the process, which meant the world to me, especially with the vast changes of schooling due to COVID-19. I am a high achieving student because of this school district.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 10

• Students 4,002

• Puyallup, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  111 reviews

Senior: Overall I have had a good experience. I was only on campus for a short time during my 3 years because I did running start and attended the local community college. One issue I have is that there is no recognition for students who are doing running start and will graduate with their AA degree. I feel like we worked just as hard as all the students who take AP classes but we don't get honors and awards they do. I feel like my achievements were overlooked by the district.... Read 111 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 37

• Students 22,398

• Tacoma, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  63 reviews

Senior: It's not very often that we hear of high school making us humble, but mine did. I've never been to a more diverse, cultured, and aware school. Every kid had a different background, yet we were all brought together by our interests. I've learned so much more over my high school years than just math and science. Sometimes silence is golden, and taking a minute to listen to someone's story can make all the difference.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 15

• Students 7,595

• Tacoma, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  138 reviews

Niche User: I started enrolling in Tacoma School District after moving from Kent. It was strange to me at first because it's quite different to the school that I was at earlier. However, the teachers and the classmates were very helpful and friendly. They helped me a lot throughout my years at middle schools and high school. My middle school teachers at Stewart Middle School are very nice and will always be there to help. One thing I noticed about Tacoma School District is that it is pretty diverse. When I was in Kent, there was less than 10 Asians in my grade and only a few African American. Because of this, couldn't get the resource I needed when I went to school in Kent, but got those in Tacoma. On the other hand, I think because Kent school district have better funding, they have more resources offered at school and that the food was better. One thing I think Tacoma school district should add on to their website is a list of resources that student could easily access to them.... Read 138 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 67

• Students 28,688

• Lakewood, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  81 reviews

Senior: Most things I liked about Clover Park High School is that everyone is welcoming and help those who are seeking to help one another. I am able to express who I am in this school and that I know people are mature enough to not judge me regardless of the differences we have around each other. I love when we help out with each other when things get tough or when we don't know what to do. The teachers here are so helpful and caring towards the students and especially me which makes me feel comfortable and that when I do come out of my comfort zone, I'm able to grow. Sports, clubs, assemblies are nice as well with lots of students involve and taking that leadership role. Looking at the students who are consider as my friends inspire to be more open with others and to have a little fun than to worry about the future. This school has shown me lots of good opportunities and encouragement for my last year in this high school that I recently just enrolled too. I am grateful for this school.... Read 81 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 32

• Students 12,556

• Eatonville, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  18 reviews

Senior: I have been in the Eatonville school district since 5th grade and I have loved the sense of community the school provides. The teachers and staff are all involved and most of them truly care about the students. I have had the honor to be on the school board as well as a student representative and it has been truly eye opening. I was able to tell from the start that the people only had the best interest for the students and no personal gain. Everything the do is to better the district and make more opportunities available for the students. One thing I would change is the variety of classes available to the middle school and high school students. But really that is more of a funding issue and not an issue with the school district itself. Overall, Eatonville School District has always been very welcoming and helpful to me and I know to many of the other students as well.... Read 18 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 9

• Students 1,862

• Spanaway, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  136 reviews

Senior: Bethel school district provided us with a lot of technology, such as iPads from when I was in 7th grade. Although Covid was unexpected, it gave us an opportunity to continue learning easily so I would like to thank the district for all they did for us students!... Read 136 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 32

• Students 20,076

• Orting, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: I am going into my senior year of high school this year and my experience thus far has been incredible. The teachers and other staff go above and beyond to connect with each student and personalize their material to make sure each student understands the information. However, the school district is getting overcrowded, which is starting to have a negative affect on the elementary schools. Class sizes have grown quickly the last couple years, which is taking away from one-on-one time with the children. These students will eventually migrate into the high school as they get older. Unfortunately, there is not enough space for everyone.... Read 19 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,454

• Lake Tapps, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Middle School Student: The safety at all three schools is of the charts. I’ve been attending the dieringer school district for 9 years now and I’ve never seen a fight or even a student bicker with a teacher. The schools are well funded have A LOT of clubs they keep students active and the transportation (busses) are all new and comfy. Lastly the best part about this school district is the teachers. They simply care. They know each and every student, try to make everyone feel welcome, attend community events, support the students, and it feels like I attend a private school. The academics are so advanced that every single student who graduates from the 8th grade has completed 9th grade math, some having completed 10th (which has trigonometry! in middle school!). And because of dieringer not having a high school the students get to pick any in WA state.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,381

• Puyallup, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 2 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Total schools 1

• Students 490