Comprehensive guide to Washington State's education system, including K-12 public schools, charter schools, higher education institutions, and educational resources for students, parents, and educators.
K-12 Students
2024-25 School YearSchool Districts
Statewide CoveragePer Pupil Spending
Annual InvestmentColleges & Universities
Public & PrivateWashington State operates one of the largest education systems in the Pacific Northwest, serving over 1.07 million students in 2024-25 across 295 school districts, 2,549 schools, and employing more than 63,000 teachers. The state invests $20,748 per pupil annually, totaling $22.6 billion in K-12 education spending.
Washington experienced 9.2% enrollment growth from 2012 to 2020, but saw a 4.2% enrollment loss during and after the pandemic. Public school enrollment declined 4% since 2019, with students shifting to alternative education options including private schools (25% increase), charter schools, and homeschooling (42% increase from 2019-20 to 2022-23).
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the primary state agency overseeing K-12 public education in Washington. Located in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia, OSPI works with the state's 295 school districts to administer basic education programs and implement education reform for over one million public school students.
Washington's K-12 public education system includes:
Washington uses the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) system for measuring student achievement:
Grades Tested: Students in grades 3-8 and 10 take English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics assessments
Assessment Window: March 2 to June 5 annually
Format: Online, untimed computer-adaptive tests with two components:
Accountability Requirements:
Students must complete specific requirements to earn a Washington State high school diploma:
Washington's largest school districts by Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment serve communities across the state:
Enrollment: 51,308 students
Location: Seattle, King County
Website: seattleschools.org
The largest school district in Washington State, serving the Seattle metropolitan area with comprehensive K-12 programs.
Enrollment: 29,859 students
Location: Bothell, King County
Website: lwsd.org
Second-largest district serving communities in the greater Seattle area, known for high academic achievement.
Enrollment: 27,833 students
Location: Spokane, Spokane County
Website: spokaneschools.org
Largest school district in eastern Washington, serving the Spokane metropolitan area.
Enrollment: 26,693 students
Location: Tacoma, Pierce County
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Website: tacomaschools.org
Third-largest district in the state, serving the Tacoma metropolitan area.
Enrollment: 24,356 students
Location: Kent, King County
Website: kentschools.org
Fifth-largest district serving Kent and surrounding communities in south King County.
Based on academic performance, teacher quality, college readiness, and parent reviews, these districts consistently rank among the best in Washington State:
Location: Bellevue, King County
Recognition: Ranked #1 by Niche 2024
Website: bsd405.org
Recognized as the best school district in Washington State for its commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive programs.
Location: Mercer Island, King County
Rating: 4.2 stars (58 Niche reviews)
Website: mercerislandschools.org
Consistently ranks among top districts for academic achievement and college preparation.
Location: Bothell, King County
Rating: 4.0 stars (133 Niche reviews)
Website: lwsd.org
Second-largest district in the state with exceptional academic programs and high graduation rates.
Washington State authorized charter schools through a voter-approved initiative in 2012. As of 2024, the state operates 18 charter schools serving approximately 5,000 students.
Charter schools in Washington demonstrate strong academic performance, particularly for underserved populations:
Washington provides several school choice options but does not offer private school voucher programs:
Washington State offers 47 accredited colleges and universities, providing diverse educational opportunities from associate degrees to doctoral programs. The state is particularly affordable for public higher education, with no public schools exceeding $12,000 in tuition.
Location: Seattle (main campus)
Type: Research University
Website: washington.edu
Washington's flagship university, consistently ranked among top public universities nationally with world-class research programs.
Location: Pullman (main campus)
Ranking: #96 among national public universities (U.S. News 2024)
Website: wsu.edu
Land-grant research university with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine.
Location: Bellingham
Website: wwu.edu
Public comprehensive university known for strong undergraduate programs and commitment to sustainability.
Location: Cheney
Website: ewu.edu
Comprehensive regional university serving eastern Washington with diverse academic programs.
Location: Ellensburg
Website: cwu.edu
Public university offering comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in central Washington.
Location: Olympia
Website: evergreen.edu
Public liberal arts college known for innovative interdisciplinary programs and narrative evaluations.
Location: Spokane
Type: Private Jesuit
Website: gonzaga.edu
Location: Seattle
Type: Private Jesuit
Website: seattleu.edu
Location: Tacoma
Type: Private Liberal Arts
Website: pugetsound.edu
Location: Walla Walla
Type: Private Liberal Arts
Website: whitman.edu
Location: Seattle
Type: Private Christian
Website: spu.edu
Location: Tacoma
Type: Private Lutheran
Website: plu.edu
Washington's community and technical college system consists of 34 accredited colleges overseen by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). These institutions serve as accessible entry points to higher education and workforce training.
Washington requires teaching candidates to meet specific education and certification requirements:
Washington has three levels of teacher certification:
English Language Learner (ELL) Endorsement:
Bilingual Education Endorsement:
Average Annual Salary: $91,390 for elementary school teachers
Salary Range:
Shortage Definition: Includes educators with limited certificates in a content area plus educators assigned out-of-endorsement in that same content area.
Resources: The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) publishes annual shortage reports at pesb.wa.gov
In 2024, Washington secured the first $72 million for a first-in-the-nation living wage for paraeducators, demonstrating commitment to supporting all education staff.
Washington serves approximately 143,000 eligible students with special education and related services, representing 13.6% of the student population (compared to 14.7% nationwide).
Washington State serves over 130,000 multilingual English learners representing more than 230 languages. Spanish is the primary language spoken by 55% of students learning English.
1. Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program (TBIP)
2. Content-Based Instruction (Sheltered Instruction)
3. Supportive Mainstream
Federal Title III funding supplements state TBIP programs to provide additional resources for English learners.
Implemented in 1993, Running Start allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses while earning both high school and college credit simultaneously.
Participating Institutions:
Costs:
Benefits:
Alternative dual credit option where college courses are taught at high schools by high school teachers using college curriculum, textbooks, and oversight by college faculty. Available for grades 9-12.
Specialized dual credit courses in career and technical education pathways, preparing students for both college and career opportunities.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington's pre-kindergarten program, operating since 1985 and serving 3- and 4-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity.
Additional Qualifying Factors:
14,000+ children served at 460+ locations across Washington State
Total K-12 Spending: $22.6 billion annually
Per Pupil Spending: $20,748
OSPI Budget Oversight: $17+ billion annually
Grades: 3-8 and 10
Subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics
Window: March 2 - June 5 annually
Format:
Requirements:
Established: 1877
Members: 16-member policy board
Website: sbe.wa.gov
Washington State enrolled 1,073,425 K-12 students during the 2024-25 school year across 295 school districts and 2,549 schools. The state experienced 9.2% enrollment growth from 2012 to 2020, but saw a 4.2% decline during and after the pandemic as families shifted to alternative education options including private schools (25% increase), charter schools, and homeschooling (42% increase from 2019-20 to 2022-23).
The average annual salary for elementary school teachers in Washington is $91,390 as of 2024. Salaries range from $63,830 (lowest) to $120,440 (highest) depending on experience, education level, district location, and subject area. The Edmonds School District reported the highest average teacher salary at $115,629 in 2023-24. Factors affecting compensation include years of experience, advanced degrees (master's or doctoral), certifications like National Board Certification, geographic location, and teaching in high-need areas such as special education, mathematics, or science.
To become a teacher in Washington State, candidates must earn a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Alternative certification pathways with an associate's degree are available in certain circumstances. Washington offers three certification levels: Residency Certificate (initial), Professional Certificate (standard), and Continuing Certificate (advanced). Teachers working with English learners must complete an English Language Learner (ELL) endorsement requiring 18-25 semester hours of coursework and passing the WEST-E English Language Learners examination. The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) oversees all teacher certification requirements.
Running Start is Washington's dual enrollment program implemented in 1993 that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses while earning both high school and college credit simultaneously. Students can attend all 34 community and technical colleges, as well as Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Northwest Indian College. Running Start courses are tuition-free, though students may need to pay college fees, purchase textbooks, and provide their own transportation. Successfully completing courses earns both high school and college credits, increasing the likelihood of high school graduation, college enrollment, and degree completion while reducing overall college costs.
Washington State spends $20,748 per pupil annually for K-12 education, totaling $22.6 billion in annual spending. This funding comes from multiple sources: $2.69 billion ($2,471 per pupil) from federal government, state funding (largest portion), and $5.33 billion ($4,891 per pupil) from local sources. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) oversees and allocates over $17 billion annually. However, there is a funding gap of $771.4 million ($708 per pupil) where school spending exceeds available funding, creating challenges for districts across the state.
Washington authorized charter schools through a voter-approved initiative in 2012. The state currently operates 18 charter schools serving approximately 5,000 students (out of 24 total authorized; 5 closed and 1 reopened as a private school). The authorization window for new charter schools ended in April 2021. Charter schools serve higher proportions of underserved populations: 62% students of color (compared to 50% in traditional public schools) and 62% low-income students. Academic performance is strong, with students showing growth similar to or better than traditional public school peers. For three consecutive years (2022-2024), Black, Latinx, and low-income students in charter schools outperformed their traditional public school peers in science, math, and language arts. English learners in charter schools showed particularly strong academic growth compared to traditional public school peers.
Washington State offers 47 accredited colleges and universities meeting academic criteria, providing diverse educational opportunities from associate degrees to doctoral programs. Public universities include the University of Washington (Seattle flagship), Washington State University (ranked #96 among national public universities), Western Washington University (Bellingham), Eastern Washington University (Cheney), Central Washington University (Ellensburg), and The Evergreen State College (Olympia). Notable private institutions include Gonzaga University, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, Whitman College, Pacific Lutheran University, and Seattle Pacific University. The state's 34 community and technical colleges offer affordable two-year associate degrees, with all authorized to offer applied bachelor's degrees (165 programs total). Washington public higher education is particularly affordable, with no public schools exceeding $12,000 in tuition.
Washington serves approximately 143,000 eligible students with special education and related services, representing 13.6% of the student population (compared to 14.7% nationwide). Each eligible student receives an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed within 30 calendar days of eligibility determination, customized to individual needs. Special education funding operates under a 16% enrollment cap, meaning districts can only generate state funding for up to 16% of students receiving special education services. As of July 2024, 137 of 295 districts were above this cap, creating funding challenges. The cap was established at 12.7% in 1995 and has been increased several times but remains in place. OSPI collects comprehensive data on special education services including placement options, disability categories, demographics, and maintains resources at ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education.
Washington State serves over 130,000 multilingual English learners representing more than 230 languages. Spanish is the primary language spoken by 55% of students learning English. The state offers three main program models: Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program (TBIP) - state-funded program beginning with 90% instruction in first language and systematically increasing English instruction; Content-Based Instruction (Sheltered Instruction) - explicit English language development combined with grade-level academic content by specially trained teachers; and Supportive Mainstream - students access grade-level content in mainstream classrooms with individual or small group support. Federal Title III funding supplements state programs. Teachers serving English learners must complete an ELL endorsement requiring 18-25 semester hours and passing the WEST-E English Language Learners examination.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is Washington's free pre-kindergarten program operating since 1985, preparing 3- and 4-year-old children from families furthest from opportunity for school success. To qualify, children must be 3 years old but not yet 5 years old on August 31 of the school year, and from families with income at or below 36% of state median income ($50,152 per year for a family of four). Additional qualifying factors include children in foster care, those on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), tribal children, those experiencing homelessness, or facing other environmental risk factors. ECEAP provides comprehensive services including free early learning education, child health coordination, nutrition services, family support, parent involvement, and medical/dental screenings. The program serves over 14,000 children at 460+ locations statewide. In 2025, Governor Ferguson and Ballmer Group announced a new grant to fund early learning for 10,000 additional children.
Last updated on November 24, 2025