For the 2026 school year, there are 10 public schools serving 5,671 students in Yelm, WA (there are 1 private school, serving 144 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Yelm, WA are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 91%).
The top-ranked public schools in Yelm, WA are Mill Pond Elementary School, Mckenna Elementary School and Yelm Prairie Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Yelm, WA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the Washington public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 53% statewide average). Schools in Yelm have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of Washington public schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public school average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Yelm, WA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Mill Pond Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
909 Mill Road Se
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-3400
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Mckenna Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
35120 Sr 507 S
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-2400
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-2400
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Yelm Prairie Elementary School
(Math: 51% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
16535 110th Ave. Se
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-6261
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-6261
Gr: PK-5 | 427 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
Southworth Elementary School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
13849 Yelm Hwy Se
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-2500
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-2500
Gr: PK-5 | 671 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
Fort Stevens Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
16525 100th Way Se
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-4800
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-4800
Gr: PK-5 | 462 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #66.
Ridgeline Middle School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
10605 Carter St Se
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-1100
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-1100
Gr: 6-8 | 568 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #77.
Yelm High School 12
(Math: 24% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1315 West Yelm Avenue
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-7777
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-7777
Gr: 9-12 | 1,693 student Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #88.
Yelm Middle School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
401 Coates Avenue Nw
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-3600
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-3600
Gr: 6-8 | 652 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #99.
Lackamas Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
16240 Bald Hill Rd
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 894-6000
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 894-6000
Gr: PK-5 | 290 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #1010.
Yelm Extension School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
107 First Street North
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-6223
Yelm, WA 98597
(360) 458-6223
Gr: 9-12 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Yelm, WA?
The top-ranked public schools in Yelm, WA include Mill Pond Elementary School, Mckenna Elementary School and Yelm Prairie Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Yelm?
10 public schools are located in Yelm.
What percentage of students in Yelm go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Yelm are educated in public schools (compared to the WA state average of 91%).
What is the racial composition of students in Yelm?
Yelm public schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Washington public schools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Yelm are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Yelm include: Southworth Elementary School vs. Mill Pond Elementary School, Mill Pond Elementary School vs. Southworth Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.