Birney Elementary School

Birney Elementary sits in the heart of south Tacoma, a working-class neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a city that's been quietly reinventing itself over the past decade. Academics here are a real challenge — math scores in particular put Birney well below state averages, so families who enroll should plan to be actively involved in their child's learning at home. That said, Tacoma's affordability and growing arts and food scene make it an appealing place to put down roots, and families who are engaged and resourceful can find ways to supplement what the school offers.