Best Elementary Schools
in Seattle, Washington
We ranked the 121 elementary schools in Seattle with real test data. The top 25 scored between 9.0 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Washington education data
The short answer
The top-rated elementary schools in Seattle for 2026 are Frantz Coe Elementary School (9.7/10), B F Day Elementary School (9.7/10), and Greenwood Elementary School (9.7/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 121 rated elementary schools. Schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Choosing an elementary school in Seattle?
Every elementary school in Seattle is scored 1–10 on the same four measures. Use the ranking to build a shortlist, then weigh the tradeoffs a single score can't capture.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Frantz Coe Elementary School
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
B F Day Elementary School
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Greenwood Elementary School
Seattle, WA. Start here, then open the profile to compare commute, district context, and score components.
Seattle's elementary school landscape is one of the strongest in the Pacific Northwest. Across 80 ranked schools, the average composite score sits at 7.6 out of 10 — and 76% of schools clear the 7.0 mark, signaling broad, consistent quality rather than a few isolated standouts. Stevens Elementary School leads the field with a 9.7/10, followed closely by Hawthorne Elementary (9.6) and a cluster of schools at 9.5, including Dearborn Park International and Whittier Elementary. That tight grouping at the top means families have real options among high performers. The table below covers all 80 ranked schools and can be sorted by score, location, or other key metrics — giving you a direct way to compare schools against what matters most for your child.
Frantz Coe Elementary School
B F Day Elementary School
Greenwood Elementary School
Score Distribution
Where the top 25 schools fall on a 1-10 scale
How We Ranked Seattle's Elementary Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 with weights that vary by school level: Student Growth tracks improvement over time and counts most in elementary and middle grades. Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement measures standardized test performance in math and reading against socioeconomic expectations. Environment considers class size, spending, and attendance. College Readiness joins the composite for high schools. Equity data is shown for context but is not factored into the score. All scores are computed within Washington so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
Top 25 of 121 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frantz Coe Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.7 |
| 2 | B F Day Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.7 |
| 3 | Greenwood Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.7 |
| 4 | Stevens Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.6 |
| 5 | Hawthorne Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.6 |
| 6 | Mcdonald International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.6 |
| 7 | Cascadia Elementary Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.5 |
| 8 | Stephen Decatur Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.5 |
| 9 | Beacon Hill International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 10 | West Seattle Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 11 | Catharine Blaine K-8 School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 12 | Viewlands Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 13 | Magnolia Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 14 | Dearborn Park International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.3 |
| 15 | John Stanford International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.3 |
| 16 | Adams Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 17 | Alki Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 18 | Montlake Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 19 | James Baldwin Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 20 | Tops K-8 School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 21 | Thurgood Marshall Elementary Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 22 | Hazel Wolf K-8 Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 23 | Genesee Hill Elementary Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 24 | View Ridge Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 25 | Olympic Hills Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
Scores are based on 2024-25 data from the NCES Common Core of Data and Washington education department. Rankings are relative to all public elementary schools in Washington. Learn about our methodology.
Map: Top 25 Elementary Schools in Seattle
Pins are color-coded by score: green (7+), yellow (4-6.9), red (below 4). Click a pin for details.
School Spotlights: Seattle's Top 10 Elementary Schools
Choosing the Right Elementary School in Seattle
Rankings identify schools with the strongest measurable outcomes, but the right school for your family depends on more than a number. Seattle's elementary school landscape is one of the most diverse in Washington, with 123 schools spanning 8 school districts.
Consider your child's learning style. Some children thrive in smaller settings (look for student-teacher ratios under 14:1), while others do well in larger, more social environments. The schools on this list range widely in size and approach.
Look beyond the composite score. A school ranked #15 might be the best fit if it excels in growth (improving student outcomes year over year) even if its raw academic score is lower. Click into individual school profiles to see the breakdown.
Visit your top choices. Walk the hallways during a school day. Watch how teachers interact with students. Ask about before- and after-school care, transportation, and parent involvement. These details matter more than any dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best elementary school in Seattle, Washington?
According to MySchoolScout's 2026 rankings, Frantz Coe Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Seattle with a composite score of 9.7/10. The score blends student growth, poverty-adjusted academic performance, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools — with equity shown as context, not scored.
How many elementary schools are in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle has 123 elementary schools. Of these, 121 have enough data for a full composite rating on MySchoolScout.
What is the average elementary school rating in Seattle?
The average composite score for Seattle elementary schools is 7.6/10. Scores range from 1.0 (bottom of the state) to 10.0 (top 1% in Washington).
How does MySchoolScout rate elementary schools?
Each school receives a 1-10 composite score that blends Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, with growth counting most in elementary and middle grades. Equity data is shown for context but not scored. All scores are computed within Washington, so schools are compared to peers in the same state. Data comes from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments.
What is a good school rating on MySchoolScout?
A score of 7 or above means a school is in roughly the top 30% of its state. A 5 is average. Anything above 8 is exceptional. Our ratings are relative to other schools in Washington, not a national comparison, because each state has different testing standards.