2023 Best School Districts in Thurston County

• Olympia, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  71 reviews

Freshman: As someone who’s gone to the schools in this district for her entire life, the experience and stats say that Olympia School District is definitely the best district in Thurston County. Now that I’m a Freshman at Olympia High School, I’m amazed by all the great opportunities this school has to offer so far. So many great teachers who make their students feel safe and comfortable to reach out for support and guidance. There are also several seniors who attend top schools such as Standford and Ivy Leagues each year.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 21

• Students 9,492

• Lacey, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  64 reviews

Senior: I have been at North Thurston high school since October of my freshman year in 2018. My high school career consisted of one and a half normal years and one and a half years online due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Before covid North Thurston High School was very high spirited. The students got excited for events and assemblies. Since we have been back for my senior year, it feels…drained. The students aren’t as social as they use to be but half of the students have never been in a high school environment before covid either. I just hope the school is able to bounce back from the unexpected stall in social and educational experiences. I had a blast my freshman and sophomore year and want others to be able to experience the liveliness the school could provide.... Read 64 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 22

• Students 14,683

• Tumwater, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  38 reviews

Senior: Although I attended Tumwater High School solely for my senior year, I have had some of the best experiences and opportunities here than at any other time throughout my high school career. The smaller size enables closer teacher-to-student connections that I didn't find elsewhere. There are so many ways counselors and teachers support their students and the students show an outstanding amount of pride and love for their school and athletics teams. I loved each of my classes, even math, and will treasure that I had the opportunity to finish off strongly - only due to the excellence in curriculum organization and resources and teacher support. Graduating from Tumwater High School is an honor.... Read 38 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 15

• Students 6,259

• Rainier, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Senior: Rainier School District has been the best school district I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been in about 4. They have an amazing staff who truly care about their students. The community is involved in everything and it’s like one big, happy family. I would give anything to go back and do it all again, just to feel that close, family-like love. The staff have shaped my life for the better, they’re so much more than just a teacher. They are mentors. They are friends. They are people who will drop everything and listen. They truly have the students’ best interest at heart. They are family.... Read 13 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 888

• Yelm, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.63 out of 5  16 reviews

Alum: I have attended the Yelm School District almost my entire schooling career and graduated this past year. Even though we are a very small farming community Yelm School District offers all of the classes that a larger district would and more. They have many extra curricular actives for all interests. It is a diverse atmosphere with many different cultures being represented and respected. The staff will go above and beyond to help students reach for their goals and push students to be the best. I have enjoyed my time in the Yelm School District.... Read 16 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 10

• Students 5,416

• Rochester, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  19 reviews

Senior: I've attended Rochester School District beginning in Kindergarten, and now I'm a high school senior. The teachers and counselors throughout my time at Rochester have been excellent! They are very helpful and willing to spend extra time to help prepare you for your future. Rochester has many opportunities for you to be involved in clubs and sports. Rochester has been growing in size the last few years, and the school will need an expansion at some point. Overall, I loved my experience at Rochester High School and would recommend it to anyone!... Read 19 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,171

• Tenino, WA•

• School District

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  Rating 3.43 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: I love my High School. All the teachers are super nice and supportive. There are around 300 students and my graduate class is around 65 students. I love the small school feel where you know almost everyone there. But as a small school there are less opportunities to have sir tan sports or classes. I wish I could give a 4.5 because the loss of opportunity is the only downfall.... Read 7 reviews

• grade C minus

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,279