Thurston County Schools & Education
Thurston County, Washington
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
83.3%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
83.3%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 81.4%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,953
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,250
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
State avg 51/100
State School Rank
#24
of 39 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Thurston County, Washington
A Massive Educational Infrastructure
Thurston County supports a robust network of 84 schools serving 42,586 students across 10 districts. The landscape includes 43 elementary schools and 21 high schools, making it a major educational hub in the state.
Academic Outcomes Above State Averages
The county boasts an 83.3% graduation rate, outpacing the Washington state average of 81.4%. While per-pupil expenditure is $8,953, the county maintains a strong composite school score of 54.2, slightly above the state's 53.9.
North Thurston Public Schools Leads the Way
North Thurston Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 24 schools and over 15,000 students. Olympia School District also plays a significant role, educating 9,633 students in the state's capital region.
Urban Hubs with Large Campuses
Most schools are situated in city locales, contributing to a larger average school size of 513 students. Olympia High School stands as the county's largest, hosting 1,838 students in a bustling academic environment.
Settle Near Top-Rated Thurston Schools
School quality is a primary driver for families moving to the Olympia and Lacey areas. Exploring homes near North Thurston or Olympia districts can provide your children with access to the county's largest educational resources.
School Overview
Total Schools
84
in Thurston County
Total Enrollment
42,586
students
School Districts
10
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
10 School Districts in Thurston County
North Thurston Public Schools
Olympia School District
Tumwater School District
Yelm School District
Rochester School District
Tenino School District
Mary M Knight School District
Rainier School District
Griffin School District
Capital Region ESD 113
84 Public Schools in Thurston County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia High School | Olympia School District | 9–12 | High | 1,838 |
| Yelm High School 12 | Yelm School District | 9–12 | High | 1,634 |
| River Ridge High School | North Thurston Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,476 |
| North Thurston High School | North Thurston Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,440 |
| Timberline High School | North Thurston Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,404 |
| Capital High School | Olympia School District | 9–12 | High | 1,326 |
| Tumwater High School | Tumwater School District | 9–12 | High | 1,111 |
| Washington Connections Academy - Mary M. Knight | Mary M Knight School District | KG–8 | Primary | 862 |
| A G West Black Hills High School | Tumwater School District | 9–12 | High | 833 |
| Nisqually Middle School | North Thurston Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 831 |
| Chinook Middle School | North Thurston Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 788 |
| Meadows Elementary | North Thurston Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 759 |
| Washington Middle School | Olympia School District | 6–8 | Middle | 750 |
| George Bush Middle School | Tumwater School District | 6–8 | Middle | 747 |
| Salish Middle School | North Thurston Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 735 |
| Yelm Middle School | Yelm School District | 6–8 | Middle | 696 |
| Pleasant Glade Elementary | North Thurston Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 644 |
| Komachin Middle School | North Thurston Public Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 643 |
| Southworth Elementary | Yelm School District | PK–5 | Primary | 628 |
| Mountain View Elementary | North Thurston Public Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 625 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,953
State avg $9,250
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Thurston County, Washington — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Thurston County, Washington?
Thurston County supports a robust network of 84 schools serving 42,586 students across 10 districts. The landscape includes 43 elementary schools and 21 high schools, making it a major educational hub in the state.
How do schools in Thurston County perform academically?
The county boasts an 83.3% graduation rate, outpacing the Washington state average of 81.4%. While per-pupil expenditure is $8,953, the county maintains a strong composite school score of 54.2, slightly above the state's 53.9.
What are the major school districts in Thurston County, Washington?
North Thurston Public Schools is the dominant district, managing 24 schools and over 15,000 students. Olympia School District also plays a significant role, educating 9,633 students in the state's capital region.
What is the school experience like in Thurston County?
Most schools are situated in city locales, contributing to a larger average school size of 513 students. Olympia High School stands as the county's largest, hosting 1,838 students in a bustling academic environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Thurston County, Washington?
School quality is a primary driver for families moving to the Olympia and Lacey areas. Exploring homes near North Thurston or Olympia districts can provide your children with access to the county's largest educational resources.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.