Federal Way’s public schools score below 78% of Washington districts on tests and graduation
23% of students in Federal Way’s public schools are proficient in math, below the Washington average (40%). The grade covers the public school district serving Federal Way, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Washington, not nationally.
From Washington state tests taken in spring 2022, when 89% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Way’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 273 Washington towns with household incomes within a quarter of Federal Way’s, its schools beat 16%, lower than their 22% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 38% of tested students were proficient in reading and 23% in math, against 53% and 40% statewide; 89% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
81% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84% across Washington. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $18,682 per student, against $18,444 across Washington (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
15 elementary schools, then eight middle and seven high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Vincent de Paul School (private), Evergreen Christian Private School (private), Brooklake Christian School (private), St. Lukes School (private), Montessori Academy at Spring Valley (private) and Holy Innocents School of the Northwest (private) are in town. Internet Academy, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Federal Way’s grade
C−: better than 22% of Washington school districts, #253 of 285 Washington towns. Both inputs trail the Washington average; graduation is the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Federal Way, with each school’s own grade.
Federal Way’s public schools are run by Federal Way School District, which also serves Des Moines. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Federal Way vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Washington towns that share Federal Way’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Way | C− | Federal Way |
| Des Moines | C− | Highline PK–12 · Federal Way PK–12 |
| Milton | B− | Fife |
| Auburn | B− | Auburn |
| Tacoma | C+ | Tacoma |
Every school in Federal Way
36 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Washington’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 2 public programs with fewer than 25 students (Federal Way Public Schools Headstart and Birth to Three Development Center).
Questions about Federal Way’s schools
Are Federal Way’s schools good?
On Washington’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Federal Way children attend score below 78% of Washington’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade, #253 of 285 Washington towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 16%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Federal Way in?
Federal Way School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 22,250 students in 43 schools (2024–25).
Where do Federal Way kids go to high school?
One of 7 high schools, depending on your address: Federal Way High School, Todd Beamer High School, Decatur High School, Technology Access Foundation Academy at Saghalie, Federal Way Public Academy, Support School and Gateway to College.
What is Federal Way’s graduation rate?
81% of the class of 2023 in Federal Way School District graduated in four years, against 84% across Washington.
How much does Federal Way spend per student?
$18,682 in Federal Way School District (FY2024), against $18,444 across Washington. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Federal Way?
Yes: St. Vincent de Paul School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 260 students), Evergreen Christian Private School (religious, grades K–8, 201 students), Brooklake Christian School (religious, grades PK–5, 148 students), St. Lukes School (religious, grades PK–1, 62 students), Montessori Academy at Spring Valley (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 47 students) and Holy Innocents School of the Northwest (Catholic, grades K–8, 26 students).
Parents talk
What Federal Way families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Federal Way → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Washington. Stars are from neighbors.