Serving 283 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Downing Elementary School ranks in the top 20% 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 60-64% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 283 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Downing Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Downing Elementary School's student population of 283 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
283 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Rankings
Downing Elementary School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Downing Elementary School is 0.60, which is less 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
#324 out of 2113 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
9%
Hispanic
12%
26%
Black
6%
5%
White
59%
48%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
20%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downing Elementary School's ranking?
Downing Elementary School is ranked #324 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Downing Elementary School often compared to?
Downing Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Jefferson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
60-64% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Downing Elementary School?
283 students attend Downing Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Downing Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Downing Elementary School?
Downing Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Downing Elementary School offer ?
Downing Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Downing Elementary School part of?
Downing Elementary School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Downing Elementary School located?
Downing Elementary School is located in the West End neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 14 other public schools located in West End.
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