- Mountain View Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 776 students
- Meadows Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 765 students
- South Bay Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 595 students
- Horizons Elementary — Grades K–5 · 580 students
- Pleasant Glade Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 559 students
- Olympic View Elementary — Grades K–5 · 552 students
- Lydia Hawk Elementary — Grades K–5 · 496 students
- Lakes Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 495 students
- Chambers Prairie Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 490 students
- Woodland Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 458 students
- Evergreen Forest Elementary — Grades K–5 · 442 students
- Seven Oaks Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 428 students
- Lacey Elementary — Grades K–5 · 368 students
- Nisqually Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 789 students
- Chinook Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 746 students
- Salish Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 745 students
- Komachin Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 640 students
- Aspire Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 323 students
- River Ridge High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,547 students
- Timberline High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,401 students
- North Thurston High School — Grades 9–12 · 1,378 students
- Envision Career Academy — Grades 9–12 · 139 students
- Summit VIrtual Academy — Grades K–12 · 355 students
- Ignite Family Academy — Grades K–8 · 100 students
with district
with district
with district
| Metric | North Thurston Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 22 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,700/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Near average |
About North Thurston Public Schools
North Thurston Public Schools is the public school district assigned to zip code 98516 in North Thurston, Washington. Serving students from Pre-K – 12th, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 98516. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, North Thurston Public Schools spends approximately $14,700 per student per year, placing it near the Washington state average of approximately $14,500 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 22 schools serving grades Pre-K – 12th, North Thurston Public Schools qualifies as a large district serving students from Pre-K – 12th. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), North Thurston Public Schools ranks among Washington’s above average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Washington is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
North Thurston Public Schools earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Washington. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 98516
Children in zip code 98516 are assigned to North Thurston Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 98516, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact North Thurston Public Schools at (360)412-4400 or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Washington districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in North Thurston
For families considering a purchase in the North Thurston area, district assignment matters financially. Because North Thurston Public Schools serves zip code 98516, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 98516 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Washington, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support North Thurston Public Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 98516.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with North Thurston Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 98516 data.