Below Average
#2081 of 2,225 schools in WA
Chester H Thompson Elementary
Elementary School · Bethel School District
303 159TH ST E, Tacoma, WA 98445
Enrollment
648
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
4.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
648
Student-Teacher
14.4:1
Score
4.0
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Tacoma
#4 of 4
public schools
Washington elementary schools
#1,170 of 1,202
In district
#30 of 33
Bethel School District
School environment
8.0 / 10
Very strong
About Chester H Thompson Elementary
Chester H Thompson Elementary is a regular public elementary school located in Tacoma, Washington. Serving kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 648 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 14.4:1, with 45 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The setting is a large suburban area, making it easily accessible to families nearby.
While Chester H Thompson Elementary has room for academic growth, the school focuses on fostering a supportive learning environment where students can thrive and develop their skills. With an ELA/Reading proficiency rate of 48%, Math at 42%, and Science at 45% across all grades, the school is working diligently to improve its academic performance. Despite these challenges, many parents appreciate the nurturing atmosphere that helps children build strong foundational skills.
Located in a bustling suburban community, Chester H Thompson Elementary serves as an important educational hub for local families looking for a supportive and engaging learning environment for their young students.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Chester H Thompson Elementary — Students at Chester H Thompson Elementary score 33% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 35%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
66.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 13 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.7/10.
How Chester H Thompson Elementary Compares
See how Chester H Thompson Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 69% (2019) to 35.7% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 68% (2019) to 30% (2024).
Location
303 159TH ST E, Tacoma, WA 98445
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Chester H Thompson Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Camas Prairie Elementary (rated 9.3/10, 1.1 miles away, in nearby Spanaway), which scores notably higher. Another option is Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Elmhurst Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Tacoma, see our Tacoma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 1.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Thompson Preschool Tacoma | 0.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Spanaway Middle School Tacoma | 0.2 mi | 7.2 |
| Acceleration Academy Spanaway | 0.5 mi | 4.1 |
| BETHEL HOPE EARLY LEARNING CENTER Spanaway | 0.7 mi | 4.9 |
| Spanaway Elementary Spanaway | 0.7 mi | 5.2 |
| Spanaway Lake High School Spanaway | 0.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Camas Prairie Elementary Spanaway | 1.1 mi | 9.3 |
| IMAGINATION SCHOOL Tacoma | 1.0 mi | — |
| Evergreen Elementary Spanaway | 1.0 mi | 4.5 |
| Challenger High School Spanaway | 1.4 mi | 4.2 |
| Elmhurst Elementary School Tacoma | 1.6 mi | 6.9 |
| ST MARY'S ACADEMY Tacoma | 1.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Brookdale Elementary Tacoma | 1.9 mi | 6.7 |
| Gates Secondary School Tacoma | 1.9 mi | 8.1 |
| Cedarcrest Middle School Spanaway | 2.1 mi | 5.2 |
| PARKLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL Tacoma | 2.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Early Learning Center Tacoma | 2.3 mi | 5.2 |
| Collins Elementary Tacoma | 2.1 mi | 6.3 |
| Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School Tacoma | 1.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Naches Trail Elementary Tacoma | 1.8 mi | 5.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98445 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$90,063
Median Home Value
$413,200
Median Rent
$1,721/mo
Population
33,578
College Educated
19.1%
Homeownership
69.7%
Avg Commute
32.3 min
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Median Age
37
Community Profile
The community surrounding Chester H Thompson Elementary has a median household income of $90,063. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $413,200, with a median rent of $1,721/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.5%. The average commute for residents is 32 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bow Lake Elementary Seatac, WA | 4.1 |
| Madison Elementary Everett, WA | 4.1 |
| Early Childhood Center Lynnwood, WA | 3.9 |
| Grant Elementary Ephrata, WA | 3.9 |
| Jefferson Lincoln Elementary Centralia, WA | 3.9 |
| McLane Elementary School Olympia, WA | 3.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chester H Thompson Elementary
What grades does Chester H Thompson Elementary serve?
Chester H Thompson Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Chester H Thompson Elementary?
Chester H Thompson Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 648 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Chester H Thompson Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Chester H Thompson Elementary is 14.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Chester H Thompson Elementary rank in WA?
Chester H Thompson Elementary is ranked #2081 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Chester H Thompson Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Chester H Thompson Elementary has a composite rating of 4.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Chester H Thompson Elementary?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Chester H Thompson Elementary has 42.4% math proficiency and 45.9% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Chester H Thompson Elementary a charter school?
No, Chester H Thompson Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Chester H Thompson Elementary a Title I school?
No, Chester H Thompson Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Chester H Thompson Elementary?
66.7% of students at Chester H Thompson Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (6,715/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tacoma). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 648
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 66.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- Pierce County
- Phone
- (253) 800-5800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Bethel School District- District Enrollment
- 21,539
- Schools in District
- 39
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,370
- District Rank
- #30 of 33
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.