Visitation Catholic Stem Academy

Visitation Catholic STEM Academy stands out as Washington state's top-ranked elementary school, earning the #1 position among 381 schools statewide and achieving an impressive 7.7 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. This small public elementary school serves 111 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, maintaining an exceptional 8.9-to-1 student-teacher ratio with 12 full-time equivalent teachers. The school's intimate size allows for personalized attention and strong relationships between students and staff.

While the name suggests a STEM focus, the school operates as a regular public elementary school serving families in the Tacoma area. The low student-teacher ratio creates an environment where individual student needs can be addressed effectively. The academy draws families from the 98409 zip code area, where the median household income is $65,245 and median home values reach $330,600.

This mid-size city neighborhood has a poverty rate of 13.9%, with 19% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The school's remarkable state ranking suggests it successfully serves its diverse community of nearly 29,000 residents. Visitation Catholic STEM Academy operates within Tacoma's vibrant mid-size city environment, offering families access to both urban amenities and the personalized education experience that comes with a smaller school setting.

With an enrollment of 111 students, Visitation Catholic Stem Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

With a student-teacher ratio of 8.9:1, Visitation Catholic Stem Academy offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.

As a private school, Visitation Catholic Stem Academy operates independently from the local public school district. Families considering this school should inquire about tuition costs, financial aid availability, and the admissions process. Private schools are not required to follow the same curriculum standards as public schools, which can be either an advantage or a consideration depending on your priorities.