Average
#1273 of 2,228 schools in WA
Custer Elementary School
Elementary School · Clover Park School District
7801 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Enrollment
313
Student-Teacher
17.4:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
313
Student-Teacher
17.4:1
Score
6.0
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Washington schools
#1,273 of 2,228
In Lakewood
#5 of 18
public schools
In district
#12 of 25
Clover Park School District
Academic performance
7.2 / 10
Very Good
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Custer Elementary School
Elementary School in Lakewood · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Hudtloff Middle School
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Oakbrook Elementary School
0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Custer Elementary School
Custer Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lakewood, WA, part of Clover Park School District. Custer Elementary School serves approximately 313 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 17.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Custer Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,273 of 2,228 schools in WA.
Structured state assessment records for Custer Elementary School show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.0 · Average
- District avg 6.7
- WA avg 6.8
What Parents Should Know
52% of students at Custer Elementary School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Custer Elementary School — Students at Custer Elementary School score 38% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 27%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
79.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 34 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: 5.7/10.
How Custer Elementary School Compares
See how Custer Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
7801 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Custer Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Chambers Elementary (rated 7.7/10, 2.0 miles away, in nearby University Pla), which scores notably higher. Another option is ST FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL (rated 7.3/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 6.0/10, 1.9 miles away, in nearby University Place), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Lakewood, see our Lakewood schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hudtloff Middle School Lakewood | 0.2 mi | 2.9 |
| Oakbrook Elementary School Lakewood | 0.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Oakridge Group Home Lakewood | 0.6 mi | — |
| Dower Elementary School Lakewood | 0.9 mi | 5.7 |
| Firwood Steilacoom | 0.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Transition Day Students Lakewood | 0.9 mi | — |
| CHARLES WRIGHT ACADEMY Tacoma | 1.5 mi | 7.7 |
| Idlewild Elementary School Lakewood | 1.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Oak Grove Lakewood | 1.1 mi | — |
| Park Lodge Elementary School Lakewood | 1.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Lochburn Middle School Lakewood | 1.4 mi | 4.9 |
| HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL University Place | 1.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Drum Intermediate University Pla | 2.2 mi | 8.2 |
| Chambers Elementary University Pla | 2.0 mi | 7.7 |
| Clover Park High School Lakewood | 1.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Four Heroes Elementary Lakewood | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| General William H. Harrison Preparatory School Lakewood | 1.7 mi | 7.4 |
| Steilacoom High Steilacoom | 1.7 mi | 5.4 |
| ST FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL Lakewood | 2.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Thomas Middle School Lakewood | 2.2 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98498 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$88,382
Median Home Value
$458,200
Median Rent
$1,604/mo
Population
28,940
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
61.4%
Avg Commute
29.3 min
Poverty Rate
9%
Median Age
41.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| ASSUMPTION SCHOOL Walla Walla, WA | 6.0 |
| BELLINGHAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bellingham, WA | 6.0 |
| Bridgeport Elementary Bridgeport, WA | 6.0 |
| Campbell Hill Elementary School Seattle, WA | 6.0 |
| Cape Horn Skye Elementary Washougal, WA | 6.0 |
| Chase Lake Elementary Edmonds, WA | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Custer Elementary School
What grades does Custer Elementary School serve?
Custer Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Custer Elementary School?
Custer Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 313 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Custer Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Custer Elementary School is 17.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Custer Elementary School rank in WA?
Custer Elementary School ranks #1,273 of 2,228 schools in WA.
What is Custer Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Custer Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Custer Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Custer Elementary School has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 48% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Custer Elementary School a charter school?
No, Custer Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Custer Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Custer Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Custer Elementary School?
79.9% of students at Custer Elementary School 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 313
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 18
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Pierce County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 51.8%
- Phone
- (253) 583-5230
Resources & Links
District
Clover Park School District- District Enrollment
- 12,395
- Schools in District
- 33
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,263
- District Rank
- #12 of 25
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