Empowering Minds: Education and Schools in Our Community
Academic Excellence and Educational Choice
As you consider your family's educational needs in Tacoma, you'll discover a rich landscape of academic options tailored to diverse learning styles and aspirations. Unlike large metropolitan areas where quality education often comes with high costs or long commutes, Tacoma provides exceptional educational pathways within close reach of its most desirable neighborhoods.
Tacoma's commitment to educational excellence is evident in its significant investment in both public and private institutions. This gives physicians’ families the flexibility to choose the ideal learning environment without compromising quality of life.
Public School Excellence
Tacoma Public Schools, serving over 28,000 students across more than 60 schools, is one of Washington State’s largest and most diverse districts. It is recognized for its focus on academic rigor, equity, and innovative programming.
- Science and Math Institute (SAMI): 98% graduation rate and 46% AP participation
- Stadium High School: Offers the prestigious Healthcare Careers Academy with a 52% AP enrollment rate
- IDEA High School: Focuses on industrial design, engineering, and art integration
- Lincoln High School: Diverse community with a strong academic and athletic profile
- Lowell and Browns Point Elementary: High-ranking elementary schools known for academic achievement
- Modernized facilities: Technology infrastructure and innovative learning environments across the district
Highly Capable and STEM Programs
Tacoma Public Schools offers robust programs for gifted and advanced learners, ensuring every child can reach their highest potential.
- Highly Capable Program: Identifies students for advanced academic instruction
- SAIL Classrooms: Self-contained, accelerated learning environments for grades 3-5
- Cluster grouping: Supports gifted students within general education settings
- Tacoma STEAM Network: Enhances science, tech, engineering, arts, and math through real-world collaboration
- Career Connected Learning: Ties classroom experiences to future employment opportunities
- AP and IB offerings: College-level coursework with credit opportunities in high school
Dual Language and Multicultural Education
Tacoma emphasizes bilingual education and cultural competence, with programs designed to support cognitive development and global readiness.
- Blix Elementary: Spanish/English dual language immersion program
- Sheltered Instruction: Supports multilingual learners through specialized teaching methods
- Proven cognitive benefits: Students in dual programs show increased flexibility and critical thinking
- State-aligned strategies: Aligns with Washington's vision for multilingual instruction
- Border-area options: Nearby districts like Puyallup and Bethel offer accessible immersion programs
Private School Options
Tacoma’s private schools offer prestigious, academically rigorous alternatives with specialized programming and personalized attention.
- Annie Wright Schools: International Baccalaureate curriculum from preschool to grade 12
- Charles Wright Academy: Independent education on a 107-acre campus with 16 AP courses
- Bellarmine Preparatory School: Jesuit tradition with 99% college acceptance and 41 advanced courses
- Faith Lutheran School: Affordable, values-based education with small class sizes
- Other options: Numerous faith-based and secular schools cater to a variety of philosophies
Recent Educational Investments and Achievements
Tacoma's ongoing improvements to its school system reflect a strong commitment to innovation, equity, and educator support.
- Modernized schools: Capital improvements for 21st-century learning
- STEAM funding: Expands career-aligned instruction across the district
- Teacher development: Training in differentiated instruction and equity-focused teaching
- Higher ed partnerships: Dual credit and career pathways through university collaboration
- Social-emotional learning: Supporting the whole child alongside academic growth
- Community enrichment: Strong links to arts, athletics, and experiential learning
Higher Education and Lifelong Learning
Tacoma also offers strong post-secondary education and adult learning opportunities that benefit both students and their families.
- University of Puget Sound: Liberal arts college with cultural offerings and academic excellence
- University of Washington Tacoma: Downtown research campus with undergraduate and graduate programs
- Tacoma Community College: Career training and transfer programs
- Pacific Lutheran University: Strong in nursing, education, and business disciplines
- Public libraries and museums: Offer community-based educational programs for all ages
- Continuing education: Abundant opportunities for adult learners and professionals
What truly sets Tacoma apart is its holistic approach to education, balancing academic rigor with creativity, character development, and accessibility. Families relocating to the South Sound will find that Tacoma’s schools provide a high-quality educational experience in a city that supports work-life balance, affordability, and community connection.
