Serving 495 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Lakes Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 55% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 495 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 52%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Lakes Elementary School's student population of 495 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 29 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
495 students
Total Classroom Teachers
29 teachers
Year Founded
1964
Last Day of School
Thu. Jun 18, 2026
Campus Size
16 acres
School Rankings
Lakes Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lakes Elementary School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#589 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
9%
Hispanic
20%
27%
Black
4%
5%
White
48%
47%
Hawaiian
7%
2%
Two or more races
16%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
33%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
North Thurston School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lakes Elementary School's ranking?
Lakes Elementary School is ranked #589 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Lakes Elementary School often compared to?
Lakes Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Woodland Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 55% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Lakes Elementary School?
495 students attend Lakes Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Lakes Elementary School students are White, 20% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hawaiian, 4% of students are Asian, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lakes Elementary School?
Lakes Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Lakes Elementary School offer ?
Lakes Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lakes Elementary School part of?
Lakes Elementary School is part of North Thurston School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
Upon enrollment, the one staff member I had contact with was excellent. I actually looked forward to having my son attend this school.
Once enrolled, everything changed. There was little to no academic challenge, and we never saw homework assigned or planners completed. We never once had contact with our sons teacher, other than at quarterly reports.
The facilities were large and unorganized, and very intimidating to someone who is from a smaller, tidy school. There was a lot of clutter in the office and hallways.
Any issues with children are handled very one-sidedly, with meetings had without parent inclusion and discipline handed out without any parental involvement.
Staff are very judgemental (whether deserved or not) and are patronizing and belittling. Bullying is not taken seriously, and students seem to be treated better based on seniority, regardless of their role in provoking issues.
I'm disappointed and would never suggest this school to anyone who had a choice to go elsewhere. I feel that this entire year has been a waste of time, and quite possibly a regression if we can't catch up at another school or through homeschooling over the last few months of the year.
4 10/10/2025
I have had students at Lakes Elementary for the last 4 years, prior to that we have been at 2 other elementary schools. Lakes has the smallest class size of any school we attended. (2017 1st grade class is 23 students, 2016 5th grade was 26) The school offers rotating "specialist" classes including art, music, pe, library, stem, and tech for older kids. We have had not had discipline issues, so I can't speak to how that is handled. I did have staff reach out to find extra opportunities to challenge my older student and enhance their education.
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