Helen Stafford Elementary School

Helen Stafford Elementary sits in the South Tacoma neighborhood, a working-class area with a tight-knit, diverse community that's seen steady investment over the years. The school faces real academic challenges, scoring in the lower percentiles across English, math, and science, making it a better fit for families who are prepared to supplement learning at home or lean heavily on the district's support resources. Tacoma itself has a lot going for it — proximity to the water, Mount Rainier views, and a growing arts scene — but families prioritizing academic performance may want to explore other options within the Tacoma School District.