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Below Average

#1783 of 2,228 schools in WA

Mount Tahoma High School

High School · Tacoma School District

4634 S 74th St, Tacoma, WA 98409

Enrollment

1,416

Student-Teacher

20.2:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,783 of 2,228

In Tacoma

#70 of 88

public schools

In district

#51 of 62

Tacoma School District

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Mount Tahoma High School

4.9/10

High School in Tacoma · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Manitou Park Elementary School

4.8/10

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

Gray Middle School

4.7/10

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

About Mount Tahoma High School

Mount Tahoma High School is a public high school in Tacoma, WA, part of Tacoma School District. Mount Tahoma High School serves approximately 1,416 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Mount Tahoma High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,783 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Mount Tahoma High School show 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.8 pts below district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Mount Tahoma High School runs 20.2:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

64% of students at Mount Tahoma High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress2.4Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.82 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.2% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.7% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg-22.3 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-25.5 pts
Overall Proficiency22% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)29% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-7.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation31.7%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.7Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,679
Chronic Absenteeism63.6%

Mount Tahoma High School — Students at Mount Tahoma High School score 22% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

75.9%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 29.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 55.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 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
22%
ELA
73%
2010
Math
49%
ELA
74%
2011
Math
50%
ELA
71%
2012
Math
59%
ELA
74%
2013
Math
54%
ELA
71%
2014
Math
12%
ELA
26%
2015
Math
17%
ELA
84%
2016
Math
52%
ELA
74%
2017
Math
21%
ELA
49%
2018
Math
14%
ELA
35%
2019
Math
14%
ELA
35%
2022
ELA
41%
2024
Math
9.2%
ELA
35.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.4/10.

How Mount Tahoma High School Compares

See how Mount Tahoma High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
20th percentile in WA
Academic
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
2.4/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
2.7/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 2.8
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
76%
Teaching Staff
20:1 student-teacher ratio
70 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
63.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
31.7% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

4634 S 74th St, Tacoma, WA 98409

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Mount Tahoma High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. General William H. Harrison Preparatory School (rated 7.4/10, 1.0 miles away, in nearby Lakewood), which scores notably higher. Another option is CPSD Open Doors Program (rated 6.3/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Lakewood), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Clover Park High School (rated 4.9/10, 2.4 miles away, in nearby Lakewood), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Tacoma, see our Tacoma schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 1.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Manitou Park Elementary School Tacoma 0.6 mi 4.8
Gray Middle School Tacoma 0.8 mi 4.7
Lochburn Middle School Lakewood 0.9 mi 4.9
General William H. Harrison Preparatory School Lakewood 1.0 mi 7.4
Four Heroes Elementary Lakewood 1.0 mi 6.0
Dower Elementary School Lakewood 1.0 mi 5.7
VISITATION CATHOLIC STEM ACADEMY Tacoma 1.4 mi 8.3
Clover Park Early Learning Program Lakewood 1.8 mi 5.0
Arlington Elementary School Tacoma 1.3 mi 6.1
Lakeview Hope Academy Lakewood 2.0 mi 5.2
Park Lodge Elementary School Lakewood 1.9 mi 4.9
Edison Elementary School Tacoma 1.6 mi 7.7
ST FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL Lakewood 2.1 mi 7.3
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL University Place 1.7 mi 6.0
CPSD Open Doors Program Lakewood 2.4 mi 6.3
SOUND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Tacoma 1.7 mi 6.7
Clover Park High School Lakewood 2.4 mi 4.9
Hudtloff Middle School Lakewood 1.8 mi 2.9
Madison Headstart Tacoma 2.4 mi
Custer Elementary School Lakewood 1.9 mi 6.0

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
Clover Park High School Lakewood, WA 4.9
Bonney Lake High School Bonney Lake, WA 5.0
Port Angeles High School Port Angeles, WA 5.0
Walla Walla High School Walla Walla, WA 5.0
White River High School Buckley, WA 5.0
Decatur High School Federal Way, WA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mount Tahoma High School

What grades does Mount Tahoma High School serve?

Mount Tahoma High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Mount Tahoma High School?

Mount Tahoma High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,416 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Mount Tahoma High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Mount Tahoma High School is 20.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Mount Tahoma High School rank in WA?

Mount Tahoma High School ranks #1,783 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Mount Tahoma High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Mount Tahoma High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Mount Tahoma High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Mount Tahoma High School has 29% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 56% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Mount Tahoma High School a charter school?

No, Mount Tahoma High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Mount Tahoma High School a Title I school?

No, Mount Tahoma High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Mount Tahoma High School?

75.9% of students at Mount Tahoma High 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
57 Somewhat Walkable
Bike Score
46 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,416
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.2:1
Teachers (FTE)
70
Free/Reduced Lunch
75.9%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
Pierce County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
63.6%

District

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

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