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Below Average

#1856 of 2,228 schools in WA

Peninsula High School

High School · Peninsula School District

14105 Purdy Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Enrollment

1,395

Student-Teacher

21.5:1

Score

4.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,856 of 2,228

In Gig Harbor

#13 of 14

public schools

In district

#16 of 17

Peninsula School District

Equity

7.1 / 10

Very Good

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Peninsula High School

4.7/10

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

Purdy Elementary School

8.7/10

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

Burley Christian School

5.9/10

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

About Peninsula High School

Peninsula High School is a public high school in Gig Harbor, WA, part of Peninsula School District. Peninsula High School serves approximately 1,395 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 21.5:1 student-teacher ratio. Peninsula High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,856 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Peninsula High School show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 4.7 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.2
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Peninsula High School runs 21.5:1 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.

30% of students at Peninsula 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 Progress4.4Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.1 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.7Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency38.2% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency66.5% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg+6.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+5.3 pts
Overall Proficiency52% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)58% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-5.7 pts
Adjusted Percentile53th
College Readiness3.9Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation16.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.9Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.5:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,219
Chronic Absenteeism30.1%

Peninsula High School — Students at Peninsula High School score 52% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 58%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

29.2%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 57.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 79.5% (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
58%
ELA
85%
2010
Math
76%
ELA
88%
2011
Math
86%
ELA
86%
2012
Math
88%
ELA
88%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
85%
2014
Math
47%
ELA
67%
2015
Math
42%
ELA
88%
2016
Math
45%
ELA
83%
2017
Math
47%
ELA
78%
2018
Math
48%
ELA
78%
2019
Math
48%
ELA
78%
2022
ELA
76%
2024
Math
38.2%
ELA
66.5%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.

How Peninsula High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.7/10
17th percentile in WA
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
1
State avg: 2.8
Sports
22
10 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
29%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
65 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
30.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
16.5% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
10 boys'·12 girls'·47 teams (incl. JV)·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

14105 Purdy Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Peninsula High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gig Harbor High (rated 6.5/10, 3.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Henderson Bay Alt High School (rated 4.4/10, 3.8 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Gig Harbor, see our Gig Harbor schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.7 mi
School Distance Rating
Purdy Elementary School Gig Harbor 0.2 mi 8.7
BURLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Port Orchard 1.9 mi 5.9
Swift Water Elementary Gig Harbor 2.4 mi 8.8
MONTESSORI FARMHOUSE Port Orchard 2.7 mi
Pioneer Elementary School Gig Harbor 3.7 mi 6.9
Harbor Ridge Middle School Gig Harbor 3.5 mi 6.6
Henderson Bay Alt High School Gig Harbor 3.8 mi 4.4
Burley Glenwood Elementary Port Orchard 3.8 mi 7.3
Gig Harbor High Gig Harbor 3.9 mi 6.5
Discovery Elementary School Gig Harbor 3.9 mi 9.2
Olalla Elementary School Port Orchard 3.9 mi 8.9
ST NICHOLAS CATHOLIC SCHOOL Gig Harbor 4.4 mi 6.7
Minter Creek Elementary Gig Harbor 3.4 mi 8.0
HARBOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Gig Harbor 5.0 mi
Mullenix Ridge Elementary School Port Orchard 5.7 mi 8.6
Artondale Elementary School Gig Harbor 6.4 mi 8.3
Voyager Elementary Gig Harbor 6.0 mi 8.1
Kopachuck Middle School Gig Harbor 6.2 mi 7.4
TRUE FAITH ACADEMY Gig Harbor 4.7 mi
Harbor Heights Elementary School Gig Harbor 6.7 mi 9.1

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98332 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$122,827

Median Home Value

$686,900

Median Rent

$2,373/mo

Population

19,784

College Educated

52.4%

Homeownership

82.3%

Avg Commute

32.2 min

Poverty Rate

5.1%

Median Age

48.3

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Battle Ground High School Battle Ground, WA 4.7
Ephrata High School Ephrata, WA 4.7
Oak Harbor High School Oak Harbor, WA 4.7
Decatur High School Federal Way, WA 4.8
East Valley High School Yakima, WA 4.8
Evergreen High School Vancouver, WA 4.8

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Peninsula High School

What grades does Peninsula High School serve?

Peninsula High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Peninsula High School?

Peninsula High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,395 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Peninsula High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Peninsula High School is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Peninsula High School rank in WA?

Peninsula High School ranks #1,856 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Peninsula High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Peninsula High 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 Peninsula High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Peninsula High School has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 80% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Peninsula High School a charter school?

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

Is Peninsula High School a Title I school?

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

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

29.2% of students at Peninsula 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
41 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
34 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,395
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.5:1
Teachers (FTE)
65
Free/Reduced Lunch
29.2%
Type
regular
Setting
Large Suburb
County
Pierce County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
30.1%

District

Peninsula School District
District Enrollment
9,069
Schools in District
17
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,219
District Rank
#16 of 17

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