Advertisement
Find a School
find a school hot topic

New!

School and District Boundaries Map

Review Your School
Preschool
preschool hot topic

Hot Topic

Should your preschooler already
be reading?

Elementary School
elementary school hot topic

Hot Topic

5 key skills for academic
success

Middle School
middle school hot topic

Hot Topic

Secrets to middle school
success

High School
high school hot topic

Hot Topic

An inside look at your teen's
brain

College
college hot topic

Hot Topic

Easing college admissions
anxiety

GreatSchools Rating

Mason

Public | 6-8 | 798 students
 

Add photos

Schools,
join today
to upload
photos.

 

What schools are available to you?

Find attendance
zones for your
address »

 

  • The teachers at this school are some of the worst I've encountered as a student.

  • This school is ridiculous for the rules and making the students uncomfortable...

  • There have been teachers who have given students "bonus points" towards their...

  • I was appalled just seeing the introductory packet for this school. Over a...

  • This school used to be one of the best in the city, but the staff has become...

 

Finding the right school

How to choose a school video thumbnail
What to look for in a
middle school
 

In the know: Get our expert advice on schools

placeholder
 

School choice terminology

Private versus public

Public schools: fact and fiction

 

Public vs. private vs. charter...

Last modified
Community Rating

3 stars

Based on 12 ratings
Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
Based on 2 ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

Are you
the principal?

Complete your school's profile»

Rate this school

Click on stars to rate
Please select a star rating for this school.
    Helpful reviews answer questions:
  • What do you think others should know?
  • What do you like?
  • How could your school improve?
    Review Guidelines
    GreatSchools won’t post reviews that contain:
  • Inappropriate language
  • Allegations of criminal conduct
  • Names of students, teachers or staff
1200 characters remaining
Please indicate your relationship to the school.
Please read and accept our Terms of Use to join GreatSchools.
Indicates a required field

11 reviews of this school

Sort by:
Show reviews by:
Posted October 2, 2012
Report it

The teachers at this school are some of the worst I've encountered as a student. My algebra teacher sits me in a corner by a girl who copies my homework and I'm never called on to answer questions for EC. He assigns homework based on NOTHING he teaches. There's nothing the school can do.

Write your own review
Posted September 17, 2012
Report it

This school is ridiculous for the rules and making the students uncomfortable and getting in trouble for ridiculous things.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted July 16, 2011
Report it

There have been teachers who have given students "bonus points" towards their grades if they say their parents are voting a certain way. A lot of teachers don't take any interest in if a student does well or not and there is a lack of drive to do what it takes to help students achieve higher. When I attended five years ago I was told many times "I'm paid whether you do well or not".

Write your own review
Posted May 17, 2011
Report it

I was appalled just seeing the introductory packet for this school. Over a page alone on every nitpicky detail of what students are and are not allowed to wear? When do the teachers have time to teach if they're constantly on the lookout for illicit visible T-shirt hems or patches on pants? It sounds like military school. Academics are sketchy as well, according to the information we were given; art and science get the shaft. We opted out in short order and chose to send our son to a school that focuses on fostering a love of learning, not submissive obedience.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted December 16, 2010
Report it

This school used to be one of the best in the city, but the staff has become complacent. If your child is not able to perform without extra help they will fall behind. Certain staff members do not contact parents when the child is struggling and they do not keep their online grades up to date so the parent has no idea if there child is struggling or not.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 19, 2009
Report it

I have been told this is a good school, have had one child in Mason, and have one more to go there I hope.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted September 25, 2008
Report it

this school was horrible for me. they treated the kids like they were in jail, and were very nit-picky about small rules and uniforms. if you can avoid sending your kid here, do it.
—Submitted by a student

Write your own review
Posted September 4, 2008
Report it

A great school that helps kids get ready for the future. The future is not fun or filled with athletics, it is about studying, working hard, and learning. I love this school and I love that they do help the kids learn how to learn.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted May 9, 2007
Report it

This school is almost a scene from 1984. Security cameras cover ever inch of the school, id cards are required to be worn on the neck to identify you. Most extracurricular activities are terrible, although the band program is the best in Tacoma. The principals are extremely strict.
—Submitted by a former student

Write your own review
Posted February 24, 2005
Report it

I am very pleased with the staff and feel they hold my child to high standards, and in doing so, create an environment which has my child doing their best.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review
Posted July 9, 2004
Report it

I dont feel this school works on making all the students comfortable in there learning process.
—Submitted by a parent

Write your own review

Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 62% in 2012.

279 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
65%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
60%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

279 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
72%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 59% in 2012.

247 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
67%

2011

 
 
54%

2010

 
 
59%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 71% in 2012.

247 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
83%

2011

 
 
62%

2010

 
 
66%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 71% in 2012.

243 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
71%

2011

 
 
74%

2010

 
 
74%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 56% in 2012.

260 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
57%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
58%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 67% in 2012.

262 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
77%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
74%
Science

The state average for Science was 66% in 2012.

260 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
74%

2011

 
 
61%

2010

 
 
63%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students65%
Female64%
Male66%
Black28%
Asian91%
Asian/Pacific Islander84%
Hispanic33%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White69%
Low income46%
Not low income78%
Special education29%
Not special education68%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students77%
Female82%
Male72%
Black50%
Asian86%
Asian/Pacific Islander80%
Hispanic43%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White83%
Low income64%
Not low income87%
Special education50%
Not special education80%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students67%
Female68%
Male66%
Black28%
Asian70%
Asian/Pacific Islander69%
Hispanic63%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White73%
Low income48%
Not low income78%
Special education29%
Not special education72%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students83%
Female87%
Male80%
Black60%
Asian80%
Asian/Pacific Islander85%
Hispanic69%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White87%
Low income71%
Not low income90%
Special education49%
Not special education88%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students71%
Female83%
Male63%
Black48%
Asian90%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanic47%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White74%
Low income54%
Not low income83%
Special education26%
Not special education78%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

All Students57%
Female62%
Male53%
Black30%
Asian73%
Asian/Pacific Islander67%
Hispanic62%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White60%
Low income45%
Not low income63%
Special education12%
Not special education62%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students77%
Female86%
Male69%
Black60%
Asian100%
Asian/Pacific Islander92%
Hispanic77%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White79%
Low income66%
Not low income83%
Special education20%
Not special education83%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Science

All Students74%
Female81%
Male68%
Black50%
Asian91%
Asian/Pacific Islander83%
Hispanic62%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White78%
Low income56%
Not low income83%
Special education24%
Not special education79%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) to test students in reading and math in grades 3 through 8, in writing in grades 4 and 7, and in science in grades 5 and 8. The MSP is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 94% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 100% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 85% in 2012.

241 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
56%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 96% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 99% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 97% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 99% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Students61%
Female61%
Male61%
Black38%
Asian82%
Asian/Pacific Islander75%
Hispanic58%
Multiracial46%
Native Americann/a
White63%
Low income53%
Not low income65%
Special educationn/a
Not special education61%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

Femalen/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests

In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 81% 64%
Black 8% 6%
Asian/Pacific Islander 5% 9%
Hispanic 5% 16%
Native American 1% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 26%N/A42%
Special education 7%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 0%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 21N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 14N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 47%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

This school has not yet provided programming information.

Schools, join today to tell families more about what you offer.

Add videos

Schools, join today to
upload videos

 

Tips for understanding school culture

Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!
Map thumbnail

Get directions »

3901 North 28th St
Tacoma, WA 98407
Phone: (253) 571-2256

Nearby homes for sale

ADVERTISEMENT

Compare this school
to nearby schools

Compare schools »

Compare

Add this school to compare

Nearby schools

St. Patrick School
Tacoma, WA

Truman
Tacoma, WA

Annie Wright School
Tacoma, WA

Jason Lee
Tacoma, WA

Bryant
Tacoma, WA

Pearl Street Center
Tacoma, WA

ADVERTISEMENT

Thank you. You've successfully subscribed to the GreatSchools newsletter.

Thank you. Please confirm your subscription by clicking the link in the email we just sent you.

Sign Up For Email Updates
Please enter your email address to sign up.
The email address is already signed up.
Connect With Us

About GreatSchools

Our mission is to inspire and support families to champion their children's education - at school, at home and in their community. We are a national non-profit with offices in San Francisco, Milwaukee, Washington D.C. and Indianapolis.

Find the great schools in Washington

All cities in Washington:ABCDEFGHIKLMNOPQRSTUVWYZ

GreatSchools, Inc. 160 Spear Street, Suite 1020, San Francisco, CA 94105

©1998-2013 GreatSchools Inc. All Rights Reserved. GreatSchools is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to complete your registration.

Please verify your email address

Great work! Only one more step. Now we just need you to verify your email address. Please click on the link in the email we just sent you to submit your review.

Your new email needs to be verified

Please click on the link in the verification email we just sent you to complete your change of email address.

Your registration is complete

Thanks for registering. Welcome to GreatSchools, the largest online community committed to improving educational outcomes through parental involvement.

Your email change is complete

Thanks for verifying your updated email address.

Your email needs to be verified

Oops! You haven't verified your email address yet. To do so, please click on the link in the email we sent you. Can't find the email? Click the button below to receive a new one.

Verification link expired

Oops! That email verification link has expired. Please click the button below to receive a new one.

Sign in to GreatSchools

Not a member? Join GreatSchools.

Sign in with an existing GreatSchools account:

 

Forgot your password?

Forgot your password?

Please enter the email address associated with your account. Instructions for selecting a new password will be emailed to you.

Thank you for submitting a review

Your review has been posted to GreatSchools.

Thank you for submitting a review

Welcome to GreatSchools!

Complete your school's profile

For principals and school officials, we offer a special Enhanced School Profile (ESP) which allows you to update and add information about your school, as well as respond to reviews. If you are a school official, click Continue to start.

You must agree to continue

Thank you for submitting a comment

Please note that it can take up to 48 hours for your comment to be posted to our site. While you're here, we'd like to invite you to fill out a survey on your school's programs, activities, and extracurriculars. It only takes a few minutes and will help parents get a full picture of your school.


No thanks

Your account is now active

Get started now! You have successfully registered and can now start updating your Official School Profile. The information you provide is extremely valuable in helping parents and students learn more about your school, so thanks for taking the time!