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Below Average

#1865 of 2,228 schools in WA

Gray Middle School

Middle School · Tacoma School District

6229 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98409

Enrollment

526

Student-Teacher

17.5:1

Score

4.7

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,865 of 2,228

In Tacoma

#74 of 88

public schools

In district

#55 of 62

Tacoma School District

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Gray Middle School

4.7/10

Middle School in Tacoma · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Manitou Park Elementary School

4.8/10

0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Visitation Catholic Stem Academy

8.3/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Gray Middle School

Gray Middle School is a public middle school in Tacoma, WA, part of Tacoma School District. Gray Middle School serves approximately 526 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 17.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Gray Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,865 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Gray Middle School show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • WA avg 6.0

What Parents Should Know

49% of students at Gray Middle 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 metrics
Student Progress5.8Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.7 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.2Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency13.3% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency23.4% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-25.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-24.1 pts
Overall Proficiency18% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)25% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-7.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile13th
Resources & Environment5.1Average25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio17.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,679
Chronic Absenteeism48.7%

Gray Middle School — Students at Gray Middle School score 18% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 25%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 25.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
37.9% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 37.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
49.0% (2024 SBA)

Based on 34 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2009
Math
25%
ELA
49%
2010
Math
30%
ELA
48%
2011
Math
36%
ELA
58%
2012
Math
36%
ELA
54%
2013
Math
45%
ELA
57%
2014
Math
32%
ELA
41%
2015
Math
28%
ELA
35%
2016
Math
27%
ELA
36%
2017
Math
28%
ELA
35%
2018
Math
26%
ELA
34%
2019
Math
26%
ELA
34%
2022
Math
13.8%
ELA
32%
2024
Math
13.3%
ELA
23.1%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.8/10.

How Gray Middle School Compares

See how Gray Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.7/10
16th percentile in WA
Academic
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
5.8/10
Average
Environment
5.1/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
18:1 student-teacher ratio
30 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
48.7%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

6229 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98409

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Gray Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Lochburn Middle School (rated 4.9/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Lakewood), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Angelo Giaudrone Middle School (rated 3.8/10, 1.7 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Tacoma, see our Tacoma schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.8 mi
School Distance Rating
Manitou Park Elementary School Tacoma 0.2 mi 4.8
VISITATION CATHOLIC STEM ACADEMY Tacoma 0.6 mi 8.3
Mount Tahoma High School Tacoma 0.8 mi 4.9
Edison Elementary School Tacoma 0.9 mi 7.7
Arlington Elementary School Tacoma 1.0 mi 6.1
SOUND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tacoma 1.2 mi 6.7
Madison Headstart Tacoma 1.5 mi
General William H. Harrison Preparatory School Lakewood 1.8 mi 7.4
Four Heroes Elementary Lakewood 1.8 mi 6.0
Lochburn Middle School Lakewood 1.7 mi 4.9
Oakland High School Tacoma 2.1 mi 5.8
Angelo Giaudrone Middle School Tacoma 1.7 mi 3.8
Dower Elementary School Lakewood 1.8 mi 5.7
Clover Park Early Learning Program Lakewood 2.4 mi 5.0
Insight School of WA Open Doors Program Tacoma 2.2 mi
Whittier Elementary School Tacoma 2.3 mi 5.8
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL University Place 1.8 mi 6.0
Lakeview Hope Academy Lakewood 2.7 mi 5.2
Reed Elementary School Tacoma 2.3 mi 6.4
Foss High School Tacoma 2.8 mi 5.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98409 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$71,649

Median Home Value

$363,000

Median Rent

$1,579/mo

Population

27,298

College Educated

20.6%

Homeownership

43.5%

Avg Commute

28.3 min

Poverty Rate

14.6%

Median Age

32.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bowdish Middle School Spokane Valley, WA 4.7
Cascade Middle School Sedro-Woolley, WA 4.7
Central Kitsap Middle School Silverdale, WA 4.7
Eastmont Junior High East Wenatchee, WA 4.7
La Center Middle School La Center, WA 4.7
Miller Junior High Aberdeen, WA 4.7

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Gray Middle School

What grades does Gray Middle School serve?

Gray Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Gray Middle School?

Gray Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 526 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Gray Middle School?

The student-teacher ratio at Gray Middle School is 17.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Gray Middle School rank in WA?

Gray Middle School ranks #1,865 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Gray Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?

Gray Middle School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 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 Gray Middle School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gray Middle School has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 38% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Gray Middle School a charter school?

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

Is Gray Middle School a Title I school?

No, Gray Middle School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gray Middle School?

82.3% of students at Gray Middle 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

Walk Score
43 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
47 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
526
Student-Teacher Ratio
17.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
30
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Pierce County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
48.7%

District

Tacoma School District
District Enrollment
28,272
Schools in District
69
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,679
District Rank
#55 of 62

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