Neely O Brien Elementary School

Neely O'Brien sits in Kent's west side, a working-class corner of King County where families tend to put down roots and stay. The school draws a diverse student body and shows some real strength in English relative to its overall profile, though math and science scores suggest it's still building momentum in those areas. Families who are active in their kids' education and looking for a close-knit neighborhood school — rather than a highly competitive academic environment — may find it a comfortable fit, especially if they're drawn to Kent's affordability and its proximity to both Seattle and the Cascade foothills.