Communities within Washington State offer several great elementary education choices because they emphasize strong academics, offer supportive learning environments, and have excellent and innovative enrichment programs that are designed to meet the needs of all students. The Best Elementary Schools in Washington were selected because these schools have excellent and consistently high student achievement, strong involvement from their parents, and many highly qualified and professional teachers who work to help each child reach his or her full potential.
Some reasons Washington’s elementary schools are well regarded include:
- Washington’s Education Standards for K-6 are very high, and the student-to-teacher ratios are relatively low; therefore, students will receive the attention they deserve and may even receive some individualized instruction.
- Washington has made a variety of technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) resources available for use in classrooms.
- Washington focuses on developing children’s social-emotional skills as well as their academic skills.
- Washington is home to very diverse and inclusive communities, which allow all children an opportunity to succeed.
- These characteristics produce reliable, consistent performance for Washington’s elementary schools, which is why Washington’s elementary schools are among the Best Elementary Schools in Washington (2026 List).
Did you know: Rain Shadow Effect – While the western side of Washington is very rainy, the eastern region is semi-arid due to the Cascade Mountains blocking rain clouds.
List of Top Elementary Schools in Washington
- Location: 23305 NE 14TH ST, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074
- Website: https://smith.lwsd.org/https://mcauliffe.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 571
- Student Teacher ratio:19:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
2. Samantha Smith Elementary School
Samantha Smith Elementary is one of Sammamish, Washington’s highest-rated elementary schools because it provides an enriching K–5 educational experience in a thriving suburban setting, combined with the high academic performance of all of its students (89% math proficiency, 88% reading proficiency), due to its dedicated teachers and exceptional student support, allowing each child to flourish with curiosity and confidence.
- Location: 23823 NE 22ND, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074
- Website: https://smith.lwsd.org/https://mcauliffe.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 571
- Student Teacher ratio: 19:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
3. Creekside Elementary School
Based in Sammamish, Washington, Creekside Elementary School is a K-5 public school that provides a nurturing learning environment for all children. The school has a diverse student population, supported by 35 dedicated teachers, one full-time counselor, and a commitment to balanced learning, with 87% of students proficient in math and 82% in reading.
- Location: 20777 SE 16TH ST, SAMMAMISH, WA 98075
- Website: https://creekside.isd411.org/
- Ranking: in Issaquah School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 581
- Student Teacher ratio: 17:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
4. Rachel Carson Elementary School
Rachel Carson Elementary School was named one of the greatest elementary schools in Washington and inspires young minds through academic excellence and inclusion. The school has a math proficiency rate of 86% and a reading proficiency rate of 91%, and blends strong academic programs with a diverse community and an engaging science-related curriculum that fosters critical thinking, curiosity, and the love of learning by creating an inquiry-based environment.
- Location: 1035 – 244TH AVE NE, SAMMAMISH, WA 98074
- Website: https://carson.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 521
- Student Teacher ratio:19:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
5. Rosa Parks Elementary School
Rosa Parks Elementary School is located near Redmond, Washington, in the center of the Lake Washington School District and houses grades K-5 for students living within the district’s boundaries. Rosa Parks Elementary delivers high-quality elementary education and a balanced learning environment based upon an 18:1 ratio of students to teachers and a record of exceptional academic performance. In addition, Rosa Parks’ student achievement exceeds Washington State standards in both math and reading.
- Location: 22845 Ne Cedar Park Crescent, Redmond, WA 98053
- Website: https://rosaparks.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 499
- Student Teacher ratio: 18:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
6. Sunny Hills Elementary School
Sunny Hills Elementary School, located in Sammamish, WA, has been recognized for its inclusive, rigorous educational community and academically-advanced K-5 grade level students. 85% percent of the student body demonstrates academic success in both reading and math at the proficient level. Academic ranking for the school is consistently among the highest in WA state for elementary level education because of its strong emphasis on social/emotional and academic progress through the development of creativity, cooperation, and respect for one another.
- Location: 3200 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd Se, Sammamish, WA 98075
- Website: https://sunnyhills.isd411.org/
- Ranking: in Issaquah School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 565
- Student Teacher ratio: 17:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
7. Ella Baker Elementary School
Ella Baker Elementary School, located in Redmond, WA, provides an exemplary example of an academically excellent elementary school in the Lake Washington School District. Servicing grades K-5, with 84% of the student body achieving proficiency in math and 83% attaining proficiency in reading, this school is performing above state average and has been recognized as one of the top schools in WA.
- Location: 9595 EASTRIDGE DR NE, REDMOND, WA 98053
- Website: https://ellabaker.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 442
- Student Teacher ratio:17:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
8. Margaret Mead Elementary School
Margaret Mead Elementary School, located in Sammamish, WA, is a public elementary school that is recognized for its high academic standards. 83% of the students have shown proficiency in math, while 89% are proficient in reading, demonstrating an impressive academic standing. As part of the Lake Washington School District, this school offers opportunities for the development of literacy skills as well as STEM, Arts, and Social Learning skills, which promote creative thinking, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
- Location: 1725 216Th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA 98074
- Website: https://mead.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 609
- Student Teacher ratio:17:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
9. John J. Audubon Elementary School
John J. Audubon Elementary School, based in Redmond, Washington, and part of the Lake Washington School District, has an excellent reputation as a top institution for learning and for its welcoming atmosphere. The percentage of students who score proficient in math and reading is 82% and 87%, respectively. The school is located in the Viewpoint neighborhood, which is known to be a great place to raise a family, and is dedicated to helping all of its students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
- Location: 3045 180TH NE, REDMOND, WA 98052
- Website: https://audubon.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 456
- Student Teacher ratio: 17:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
10. Albert Einstein Elementary School
In contrast to Albert Einstein Elementary School, based in Redmond, Washington, places a strong emphasis on providing students with an engaging and supportive learning environment. With 82% of students proficient in math and 87% proficient in reading, it is evident that this school also does very well when it comes to academics. The school is located in the Education Hill area of Redmond and is recognized for providing high-quality educational opportunities and a wide range of educational programs for students, therefore earning a spot as one of the very best elementary schools in the State of Washington.
- Location: 18025 Ne 116Th, Redmond, WA 98052
- Website: https://einstein.lwsd.org/
- Ranking: in Lake Washington School District Elementary Schools
- Total students: 481
- Student Teacher ratio: 16:1
- Visit the School Profile link:
Did you know: Birthplace of GPS – The GPS was partly developed by engineers in the Seattle area, highlighting the state’s role in tech innovation.
Information Every Families should Know
Academic Achievement Throughout Washington State
Washington’s leading elementary schools consistently surpass the state average in their reading and mathematics grades, thereby ensuring a solid academic base that will allow pupils to carry through their school years and into their careers.
Focus on Campus Growth and Innovation
Included in this year’s Best Elementary Schools in Washington State are:
- The offering of STEM activities
- Arts and music programs
- Opportunities for outdoor education
- Curricular instruction in social-emotional learning
- Appreciation and celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
Elementary schools in Washington reflect the vast Cultural and Linguistic diversity of Washington, thus promoting acceptance and understanding from an early age.
Tips on How to Evaluate Elementary Schools
When considering elementary schools from the Best Elementary Schools in Washington State recommendations, as mentioned above, parents should have some idea of:
- Student performance and test results for a particular school
- Student-Teacher Ratios and Class Sizes for that particular School
- Specialized programs offered by that particular School (STEM, The Arts, Language, etc.)
- The proximity and relationship to the communities where that particular School is located
- The development of a School’s Culture and the overall safety of the School environment.
Parents could gain valuable insight and experience from visiting the School’s open houses and speaking with Families who have children currently attending the School when researching Schools.
Conclusion:
The Best Elementary Schools in Washington State are indicative of Washington’s commitment to Quality education and Student Development. They possess high academic standards, as well as enriched Learning Experiences and a supportive Community; thus providing Children with the Resources Needed to be Successful in Current and Future Endeavors. Families searching for Comprehensive and Dynamic Elementary Education will discover a wealth of opportunities in Washington’s Best Elementary Schools.
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