Average
#1006 of 2,225 schools in WA
Top 45% in state
Science and Math Institute
High School · Tacoma School District
5501 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Enrollment
604
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
604
Student-Teacher
22.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Tacoma
#42 of 83
public schools
Washington high schools
#158 of 476
In district
#33 of 62
Tacoma School District
Equity
7.6 / 10
Very strong
About Science and Math Institute
Science and Math Institute stands out as a high-performing public high school serving 604 students in grades 9-12 in Tacoma, Washington. With a student-teacher ratio of 22.4:1 and 27 full-time equivalent teachers, the school has earned recognition as one of Washington's top educational institutions, ranking #275 out of 2261 schools statewide, placing it in the 88th percentile. The school's academic excellence is particularly evident in English Language Arts and Reading, where an impressive 87% of students demonstrate proficiency or above across all grade levels.
This strong performance has contributed to the school's outstanding 9.7 out of 10 academic score and overall 7.5 rating from MySchoolScout. Located at 5501 N. Pearl Street, Science and Math Institute serves a well-educated community where 49% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
The surrounding 98407 ZIP code reflects a stable, middle-to-upper-middle-class neighborhood with a median household income of $103,900 and median home values of $567,200. The area maintains a low poverty rate of just 5.9%, creating a supportive environment for educational achievement. Science and Math Institute operates within Tacoma's mid-size city setting, offering students both urban opportunities and a focused academic environment that clearly delivers exceptional results.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Science and Math Institute is 22.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Science and Math Institute — Students at Science and Math Institute score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 9 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: 4.9/10.
How Science and Math Institute Compares
See how Science and Math Institute performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 52% (2019) to 33.9% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 82% (2019) to 70.7% (2024).
Location
5501 N. Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Science and Math Institute may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center (rated 6.7/10, 3.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Dr. Dolores Silas High School (rated 4.1/10, 3.1 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Tacoma, see our Tacoma schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Point Defiance Elementary School Tacoma | 1.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Truman Middle School Tacoma | 1.7 mi | 6.1 |
| Skyline Elementary School Tacoma | 2.3 mi | 4.5 |
| Tacoma Online Elementary School Tacoma | 2.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Tacoma Online Middle School Tacoma | 2.4 mi | 4.5 |
| Tacoma Online High School Tacoma | 2.4 mi | — |
| Sherman Elementary School Tacoma | 2.0 mi | 7.5 |
| Downing Elementary School Tacoma | 2.5 mi | 9.1 |
| Dr. Dolores Silas High School Tacoma | 3.1 mi | 4.1 |
| Mason Middle School Tacoma | 2.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center Tacoma | 3.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Geiger Montessori School Tacoma | 3.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Hunt Middle School Tacoma | 3.5 mi | 7.6 |
| The School at Pearl Youth Residence Tacoma | 3.5 mi | — |
| Washington Elementary School Tacoma | 2.9 mi | 8.7 |
| Jefferson Elementary School Tacoma | 3.3 mi | 8.4 |
| LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gig Harbor | 2.6 mi | 5.4 |
| ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Tacoma | 3.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Delong Elementary School Tacoma | 3.9 mi | 8.5 |
| HARBOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Gig Harbor | 3.0 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98407 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$108,905
Median Home Value
$613,000
Median Rent
$1,847/mo
Population
21,210
College Educated
50.1%
Homeownership
65.4%
Avg Commute
28 min
Poverty Rate
6.6%
Median Age
47
Community Profile
The community surrounding Science and Math Institute has a median household income of $108,905. It is a well-educated community where 50% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $613,000, with a median rent of $1,847/month. The local poverty rate of 6.6% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 28 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 |
|---|---|
| HOLY NAMES ACADEMY Seattle, WA | 6.6 |
| JOHN F KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Burien, WA | 6.6 |
| Zillah High School Zillah, WA | 6.6 |
| Blaine High School Blaine, WA | 6.5 |
| Charles Francis Adams High School Clarkston, WA | 6.5 |
| Rainier Beach High School Seattle, WA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Science and Math Institute
What grades does Science and Math Institute serve?
Science and Math Institute serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Science and Math Institute?
Science and Math Institute has an enrollment of approximately 604 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Science and Math Institute?
The student-teacher ratio at Science and Math Institute is 22.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Science and Math Institute rank in WA?
Science and Math Institute is ranked #1006 out of 2,225 schools in WA.
What is Science and Math Institute's MySchoolScout rating?
Science and Math Institute 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 Science and Math Institute?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Science and Math Institute has 39.9% math proficiency and 77.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Science and Math Institute a charter school?
No, Science and Math Institute is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Science and Math Institute a Title I school?
No, Science and Math Institute is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Science and Math Institute?
39.4% of students at Science and Math Institute 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 (6,715/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Tacoma). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 604
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- Pierce County
- Phone
- (253) 571-2300
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Tacoma School District- District Enrollment
- 28,272
- Schools in District
- 69
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,679
- District Rank
- #33 of 62
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
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