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Average

#986 of 2,225 schools in WA

Top 44% in state

Garfield Elementary School

Elementary School · Olympia School District

325 PLYMOUTH ST NW, Olympia, WA 98502

Enrollment

338

Student-Teacher

14.1:1

Score

6.6

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Olympia

#4 of 18

public schools

Washington elementary schools

#715 of 1,202

In district

#4 of 19

Olympia School District

School environment

8.9 / 10

Exceptional

About Garfield Elementary School

Garfield Elementary School is a regular public elementary school in Olympia, Washington, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. With an enrollment of 338 students and a student-teacher ratio of 14.1:1, the school provides personalized attention to each child's learning needs. Garfield has 24 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support their young scholars.

Academically, Garfield Elementary School is ranked at #1073 out of 2261 schools in Washington State, placing it around the 53rd percentile. The school’s MySchoolScout rating stands at 5.6/10, reflecting areas where they can focus on improving student outcomes. In state assessments, 42% of students are proficient or above in ELA and reading, while 36% meet or exceed proficiency standards in math, and 43% do so in science.

These scores indicate that Garfield Elementary has room for academic growth but is committed to fostering a strong foundation in core subjects. Garfield Elementary School is situated in the heart of Olympia, a small city with a rich cultural scene and a close-knit community. The school’s location offers students easy access to local parks, libraries, and museums, enhancing their educational experiences beyond the classroom walls.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress6.3Above Average50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-2.01 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics5.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.6%
Reading/ELA Proficiency39.5%
Math vs. State Avg-18.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-8.9 pts
Overall Proficiency37%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-1.3 pts
Adjusted Percentile40th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment8.9Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,421

Garfield Elementary School — Students at Garfield Elementary School score 37% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

61.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 36.4%
School
State
45.8%
ELA Proficiency 42.1%
School
State
50.2%

Based on 13 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
47%
ELA
47%
2022
ELA
47%
2024
Math
33.7%
ELA
39.6%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.3/10.

How Garfield Elementary School Compares

See how Garfield Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.6/10
56th percentile in WA
Academic
5.7/10
5.7/10
Growth
6.3/10
Above average
Environment
8.9/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
62%
Teaching Staff
14:1 student-teacher ratio
24 teachers

Location

325 PLYMOUTH ST NW, Olympia, WA 98502

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Garfield Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. OLYMPIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (rated 6.7/10, 1.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Michael T Simmons Elementary (rated 6.7/10, 3.0 miles away, in nearby Tumwater), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Lincoln Elementary School (rated 6.6/10, 1.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Olympia, see our Olympia schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.6 mi
School Distance Rating
Jefferson Middle School Olympia 0.5 mi 6.3
Capital High School Olympia 0.7 mi 5.8
EVERGREEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Olympia 1.0 mi 5.8
OLYMPIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Olympia 1.0 mi 6.7
Leland P Brown Elementary Olympia 1.6 mi 6.2
Lincoln Elementary School Olympia 1.6 mi 6.6
Tumwater Hill Elementary Tumwater 2.2 mi 4.9
Avanti High School Olympia 1.6 mi 7.5
Reeves Middle School Olympia 1.8 mi 5.4
Thurgood Marshall Middle School Olympia 1.7 mi 4.7
Madison Elementary School Olympia 1.6 mi 5.1
ST MICHAEL SCHOOL Olympia 1.7 mi 6.5
Roosevelt Elementary School Olympia 1.7 mi 5.5
Touchstone Olympia 1.8 mi
Julia Butler Hansen Elementary Olympia 1.9 mi 5.8
Thurs Co Juv Det/Tumwater West E Tumwater 2.4 mi
Michael T Simmons Elementary Tumwater 3.0 mi 6.7
Olympia High School Olympia 2.7 mi 4.9
Pioneer Elementary School Olympia 2.8 mi 6.1
NOVA SCHOOL Olympia 2.6 mi 6.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98502 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$87,154

Median Home Value

$496,500

Median Rent

$1,569/mo

Population

35,043

College Educated

51.7%

Homeownership

56.6%

Avg Commute

24 min

Poverty Rate

13.5%

Median Age

38.8

Community Profile

The community surrounding Garfield Elementary School has a median household income of $87,154. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $496,500, with a median rent of $1,569/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.5%. The average commute for residents is 24 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
CHESTNUT HILL ACADEMY Bellevue, WA 6.6
Fidalgo Elementary Anacortes, WA 6.6
John D. Bud Hawk Elementary at Jackson Park Bremerton, WA 6.6
Kellogg Marsh Elementary School Marysville, WA 6.6
Kitsap Lake Elementary Bremerton, WA 6.6
Lincoln Elementary School Olympia, WA 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Garfield Elementary School

What grades does Garfield Elementary School serve?

Garfield Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Garfield Elementary School?

Garfield Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 338 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Garfield Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Garfield Elementary School is 14.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Garfield Elementary School rank in WA?

Garfield Elementary School is ranked #986 out of 2,225 schools in WA.

What is Garfield Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Garfield Elementary School has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Garfield Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Garfield Elementary School has 36.4% math proficiency and 42.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Garfield Elementary School a charter school?

No, Garfield Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Garfield Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Garfield Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Garfield Elementary School?

61.8% of students at Garfield 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (4,014/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Olympia). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
338
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
24
Free/Reduced Lunch
61.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Thurston County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Olympia School District
District Enrollment
9,556
Schools in District
20
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,220
District Rank
#4 of 19

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 methodology

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