Needs Improvement
#2183 of 2,225 schools in WA
Pacific Middle School
Middle School · Highline School District
22705 24th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Enrollment
626
Student-Teacher
19:1
Score
3.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
626
Student-Teacher
19:1
Score
3.3
Grades
6th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Des Moines
#7 of 7
public schools
Washington middle schools
#366 of 374
In district
#34 of 34
Highline School District
About Pacific Middle School
Pacific Middle School is a regular public school located in Des Moines, Washington, serving students in grades six through eight. With an enrollment of 626 students and a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1, the school aims to provide personalized attention to each student. Located in a large suburban area, Pacific Middle School offers a variety of programs and activities tailored to middle-schoolers.
While academic performance indicators show there is room for improvement—state rankings place it at #2098 out of 2261 schools in Washington, with only 34% proficiency or above in ELA/Reading and 18% proficiency or above in Math and Science—the school continues to focus on student development and growth. Pacific Middle School is situated within a vibrant community that supports its educational mission. The school's setting in Des Moines provides a suburban environment where students can engage with their peers and participate in after-school clubs and sports, fostering a sense of belonging and community among the students.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pacific Middle School — Students at Pacific Middle School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 29%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
76.7%
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: 1.9/10.
How Pacific Middle School Compares
See how Pacific Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 38% (2019) to 12.5% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 60% (2019) to 28.5% (2024).
Location
22705 24th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pacific Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Evergreen Middle School (rated 5.0/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Kent), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Chinook Middle School (rated 4.2/10, 2.8 miles away, in nearby Seatac), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Des Moines, see our Des Moines schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Midway Elementary Des Moines | 0.1 mi | 3.3 |
| Mount Rainier High School Des Moines | 0.2 mi | 6.0 |
| Cascade Public Schools Des Moines | 0.3 mi | — |
| ST PHILOMENA SCHOOL Des Moines | 0.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Des Moines Elementary Des Moines | 0.8 mi | 5.9 |
| River Ridge Elementary Seatac | 0.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Parkside Elementary Des Moines | 1.2 mi | 3.7 |
| Madrona Elementary Seatac | 1.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Sunnycrest Elementary School Kent | 1.6 mi | 4.4 |
| HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 5.8 |
| K-SCHOOL Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Maritime High School Des Moines | 2.0 mi | 7.2 |
| North Hill Elementary Des Moines | 2.1 mi | 8.2 |
| Woodmont K-8 School Des Moines | 2.5 mi | 5.2 |
| Star Lake Elementary School Kent | 2.7 mi | 7.8 |
| Evergreen Middle School Kent | 2.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Mark Twain Elementary School Federal Way | 2.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Chinook Middle School Seatac | 2.8 mi | 4.2 |
| BASIC STEPS ACADEMY Kent | 2.3 mi | — |
| CHOICE Academy Seattle | 2.9 mi | 6.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98198 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$83,938
Median Home Value
$527,100
Median Rent
$1,770/mo
Population
39,815
College Educated
31.5%
Homeownership
54.3%
Avg Commute
30.4 min
Poverty Rate
11.5%
Median Age
35.9
Community Profile
The community surrounding Pacific Middle School has a median household income of $83,938. It is an area where 32% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $527,100, with a median rent of $1,770/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.5%. The average commute for residents is 30 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 |
|---|---|
| Haller Middle School Arlington, WA | 3.3 |
| Lakewood Middle School N. Lakewood, WA | 3.3 |
| Centennial Middle School Snohomish, WA | 3.2 |
| Mill Creek Middle School Kent, WA | 3.2 |
| Eatonville Middle School Eatonville, WA | 3.4 |
| Gaiser Middle School Vancouver, WA | 3.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pacific Middle School
What grades does Pacific Middle School serve?
Pacific Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Pacific Middle School?
Pacific Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 626 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pacific Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Pacific Middle School is 19:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pacific Middle School rank in WA?
Pacific Middle School is ranked #2183 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Pacific Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Pacific Middle School has a composite rating of 3.3 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 Pacific Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Pacific Middle School has 17.6% math proficiency and 34.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Pacific Middle School a charter school?
No, Pacific Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pacific Middle School a Title I school?
No, Pacific Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pacific Middle School?
76.7% of students at Pacific 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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,161/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Des Moines). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 626
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 33
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 76.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- King County
- Phone
- (206) 631-5800
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Highline School District- District Enrollment
- 17,823
- Schools in District
- 43
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,594
- District Rank
- #34 of 34
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.