Best Elementary Schools
in Seattle, Washington
We ranked all 123 elementary schools in Seattle. The top 25 scored between 8.7 and 9.7 out of 10.
Updated for 2026 · Based on NCES and Washington education data
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.
Stevens Elementary School
Hawthorne Elementary School
Dearborn Park International 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%) measures standardized test performance in math and reading. Student Growth (20%) tracks improvement over time. Equity (15%) evaluates how well a school serves all student groups. Environment (15%) considers class size, spending, and attendance. All scores are computed within Washington so schools are compared to peers in the same state. See our full methodology.
All 25 Rankings
| # | School | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stevens Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.7 |
| 2 | Hawthorne Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.6 |
| 3 | Dearborn Park International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.5 |
| 4 | Whittier Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.5 |
| 5 | Rising Star Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 6 | Viewlands Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.4 |
| 7 | Frantz Coe Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 8 | Stephen Decatur Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 9 | Magnolia Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.2 |
| 10 | Broadview-Thomson K-8 School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 11 | Bailey Gatzert Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 12 | John Stanford International School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 13 | Maple Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.1 |
| 14 | Adams Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 15 | Alki Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 16 | West Seattle Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 17 | Montlake Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 18 | View Ridge Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 19 | Sand Point Elementary Seattle School District No. 1 | 9.0 |
| 20 | Greenwood Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.8 |
| 21 | West Woodland Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.8 |
| 22 | Catharine Blaine K-8 School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.8 |
| 23 | SEATTLE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL | 8.8 |
| 24 | Lafayette Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.7 |
| 25 | Loyal Heights Elementary School Seattle School District No. 1 | 8.7 |
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, Stevens Elementary School is the top-rated elementary school in Seattle with a composite score of 9.7/10. The score is based on academic performance, student growth, equity, and school environment.
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 7.4/10. 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 based on four components: Academic Achievement (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and School Environment (15%). 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.