Skip to main content

Average

#968 of 2,228 schools in WA

Top 43% 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

6.7

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#968 of 2,228

In Tacoma

#32 of 88

public schools

In district

#22 of 62

Tacoma School District

Equity

7.6 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Science and Math Institute?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Science and Math Institute

6.7/10

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

Point Defiance Elementary School

9.2/10

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

Truman Middle School

5.7/10

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

About Science and Math Institute

Science and Math Institute is a public high school in Tacoma, WA, part of Tacoma School District. Science and Math Institute serves approximately 604 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Science and Math Institute has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #968 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Science and Math Institute show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024).

How it compares1.0 pts above district
  • This school 6.7 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Science and Math Institute runs 22.4:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress4.2Below Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.18 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.4Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency33.9% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency70.7% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg+2.4 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9.5 pts
Overall Proficiency52% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)52% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected+0.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile62th
College Readiness9.8Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation53.5%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.2Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,679
Chronic Absenteeism28.6%

Science and Math Institute — Students at Science and Math Institute score 52% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.4%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 57.7% (multi-year average, 2010-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 83.4% (multi-year average, 2010-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 27 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2010
Math
67%
ELA
92%
2011
Math
77%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
77%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
92%
ELA
92%
2014
Math
62%
ELA
82%
2015
Math
52%
ELA
97.5%
2016
Math
42%
ELA
77%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
77%
2018
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2019
Math
52%
ELA
82%
2022
ELA
87%
2024
Math
33.9%
ELA
70.7%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.2/10.

How Science and Math Institute Compares

See how Science and Math Institute performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
57th percentile in WA
Academic
7.4/10
Very Good
Growth
4.2/10
Below Average
Environment
4.2/10
Below Average
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
39%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
27 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
28.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
53.5% 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

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 8.7/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dr. Dolores Silas High School (rated 3.2/10, 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 9.2
Truman Middle School Tacoma 1.7 mi 5.7
Skyline Elementary School Tacoma 2.3 mi 5.9
Tacoma Online Elementary School Tacoma 2.4 mi 5.0
Tacoma Online Middle School Tacoma 2.4 mi 4.9
Tacoma Online High School Tacoma 2.4 mi
Sherman Elementary School Tacoma 2.0 mi 8.9
Downing Elementary School Tacoma 2.5 mi 9.0
Dr. Dolores Silas High School Tacoma 3.1 mi 3.2
Mason Middle School Tacoma 2.7 mi 7.1
Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center Tacoma 3.3 mi 8.7
Geiger Montessori School Tacoma 3.4 mi 8.4
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 8.2
Jefferson Elementary School Tacoma 3.3 mi 9.2
LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gig Harbor 2.6 mi 5.4
ST CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC SCHOOL Tacoma 3.8 mi 5.3
Delong Elementary School Tacoma 3.9 mi 6.3
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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
EASTSIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Kirkland, WA 6.7
Highland High School Cowiche, WA 6.7
Naches Valley High School Naches, WA 6.7
Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School Vancouver, WA 6.8
O'DEA HIGH SCHOOL Seattle, WA 6.8
Rainier Beach High School Seattle, WA 6.8

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 ranks #968 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Science and Math Institute's MySchoolScout rating?

Science and Math Institute has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 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 Science and Math Institute?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Science and Math Institute has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024) and 83% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2024).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
23 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
7 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
28.6%

District

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

How we rate schools

A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.

See how we rate

Related 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.