South Bay Elementary School
Lacey, WA 98506
Phone: (360) 412-4640
District: North Thurston Public Schools
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 561 students
South Bay Elementary School, a public school located in Lacey, WA, serves grades PK-5 in the North Thurston Public Schools.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
South Bay Elementary School is a public school located in Lacey, WA. 561 students attend South Bay Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2025 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
Posted: June 13, 2026
All three of my kids went to South Bay. It was a great school for them overall.
Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: June 13, 2026
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Posted: June 13, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
South Bay is the best elementary school around. The teachers and administration are supportive and their love for education is obvious. We had all three of our children go through South Bay. Their experiences help build a solid foundation for middle and high school.
Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: May 1, 2026
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Posted: May 1, 2026
Posted: November 7, 2025
We LOVE this school. Our kiddos are thriving and they have the best staff and curriculum. They really believe in their kids and foster a great learning environment. Were so grateful to have both boys at South Bay!
Posted: November 7, 2025
Posted: November 7, 2025
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Posted: November 7, 2025
Posted: March 11, 2025
Its sad when one person/poster feels the need to give such a poor review of this amazing school and the wonderful administrators. I know for a fact this school welcomes parent feedback and even has a committee made up of parents who get together often with the administrators to offer feedback (whats going well and what needs improvement). If I had one guess, I would say the person/poster of this negative comment(s) has a child or children that are zapping all of the schools resources (and then some) due to extreme behavioral issues that arent even remotely under control. Teachers & staff cant help with parenting. Just a thought to keep in mind as youre choosing schools :)
Posted: March 11, 2025
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Posted: March 11, 2025
Posted: November 22, 2024
This school fails to involve parents. The administration cannot be trusted, be sure to bring a witness to any meetings. They will say one thing in your face to face meeting then deny they said anything of the sort later on.
Posted: November 22, 2024
Posted: November 22, 2024
Posted: November 22, 2024
Posted: November 22, 2024
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Posted: November 22, 2024
Posted: May 16, 2024
I have worked at SB for over 10 years, and we have had 5 different administrators during this time. Our current principal and AP team are the most supportive and transparent duo. They lead positively, tirelessly and with purpose. As a staff we have been rejuvenated this year as our new principal has shown what true compassion and leadership is. She is extremely knowledgeable and promotes antibias and equitable solutions for ALL children. I am honored to work at SB and bring my own children to thrive within our SB family.
Posted: May 16, 2024
Posted: May 16, 2024
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Posted: May 16, 2024
Posted: May 16, 2024
Posted: May 16, 2024
Posted: May 16, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
I have taught at this school for 14 years-and a large percentage of us have worked together here for 12+ years. South Bay is an exceptional place that I am honored to teach at and have my child attend. The teachers, admin and support staff work tirelessly to support ALL students and meet regularly to figure out ways they can reach all students both those needing extra support, those needing a challenge, and everyone in between. We hold daily meetings with our students centered around social emotional learning. This is a school wide requirement that we all do and its the most important part of our day. We have a Bruin Den with support staff available all day for kids who need even extra support with social emotional learning, need a break to reset, or just need some extra attention from a caring adult. Often times admin is in there too just building relationships with kids.
Our new principal has made some really positive changes to our school. She cares about our students deeply and has been extremely effective in her role. Shes not only supportive of her staff and our students, shes an advocate for them as well. To watch her be able to calm some of most dis-regulated students is truly magical. Because she cares and they know it.
I am a mama bear to the truest extent of the word. Theres no school I trust more than South Bay Elementary to educate and love my child while keeping him safe and helping to instill in him a love for learning.
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: May 13, 2024
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Posted: May 13, 2024
Posted: March 17, 2024
The new principal is new, inexperienced and ineffective as a leader. This school year went way down hill. Last year the principal was incredible, the school was well run, the turn over rate for teachers and paras was low, my childs test scores were 90th percentile. This year, my childs test scores have dropped to 50th percentile. The school does very poorly at teaching students who are above or below the benchmark. The social and emotional support is non-existent. They write the kids up for everything now-a-days, its to the point my child doesnt want to go to school. So sad.
Posted: March 17, 2024
Posted: March 17, 2024
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Posted: January 14, 2021
All three of my kids went to this school they loved it!!
Posted: January 14, 2021
Posted: January 14, 2021
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Posted: January 14, 2021
Posted: July 10, 2019
Posted: July 10, 2019
This school will not address your dyslexic child.
Posted: July 10, 2019
Posted: July 10, 2019
Posted: September 10, 2018
We love South Bay. Our experience has been fantastic for our kids. Best choice for elementary school in the North Thurston School District.
Posted: September 10, 2018
Love that they dont give out useless homework. Daily reading and anything that goes unfinished during the day.
Posted: September 10, 2018
All the teachers care deeply about the students.
Posted: September 10, 2018
Posted: September 10, 2018
Now that we have new leadership, we are hopeful!
Posted: September 10, 2018
When a student requires additional help, the teachers are there to provide additional assistance where needed.
Posted: September 10, 2018
Posted: January 21, 2018
South Bay was my first public school experience as a mom, and I was less than impressed. During our very first parent-teacher conference, I felt like the teacher hardly knew my child and was very vague when I asked questions. I noticed very little differentiation, and agree with others that the students were mostly catered to as a whole, rather than focusing on different learning styles and skill levels. We have recently moved and are attending a new school. The new school is ranked lower on GreatSchools but is such a huge improvement from what we experienced at South Bay.
Posted: March 9, 2016
South Bay Elementary is an extraordinary school in every way. I went to South Bay as a kid and now my son and daughter go there. Every teacher my children have had has been amazing by not only educating my kids but teaching them invaluable life lessons while really investing in who they are. My wife and I could not be happier with the effectiveness of the education and the devotion of the faculty and staff towards our children...great job South Bay Elementary!!!
Posted: February 11, 2016
Posted: February 11, 2016
Posted: February 11, 2016
Posted: February 11, 2016
We've been at South Bay for 2 years now and love it! Making a new transition from a phenomenal school was difficult, however we have found a new home at an equally wonderful school. The teachers are amazing and helpful. We are happy here and the kids love going to school everyday.
Posted: January 15, 2015
The staff at all levels are amazing. I have a child who is excited to go to school, is engaged at her level daily, adores her teacher, and talks non stop about her specialist time (Music Art and PE). As a parent, I couldn't ask for more.
Posted: September 21, 2012
We have been a part of the South Bay community for about 12 years. It has always been a good school and with current administration is a great school. Most of the teachers ae exceptional K - 6. They care. Parents and family members are welcome and appreciated. Teachers go out of their way to meet the needs of EACH student, high, medium or low. I am proud to say my children attend this school.
Posted: March 26, 2012
My two children have been attending Southbay for 3 years. Out of a total of six teachers, only one has been extraordinary. Going above and beyond to make sure my child had work to do in class that would challenge him above what she was currently teaching. I am completely unimpressed with the new principal. She rules by the book and not always in the best interests of the children or parents. I disagree with a previous post about not enough activities involving families. There are opportunities almost every month for families to attend an event at the school, I.e. Jump rope for heart, science fair, back to school night, fun fair and many more. My biggest complaint is would be the inconsistencies of grading. Teachers refusing to give 4s at all and using the standard 3 for the majority. Many students go above and beyond socially and academically and should be recognized by more than an average 3. I have been very happy with the physical education teacher. He has a great attitude and kids are always excited and ready to work hard,
Posted: July 25, 2011
Good school, good kids, BUT total lack of consistency with grading. Too much objectivity allowed. The teachers are not on the same sheet of music with the 1,2,3,4 grading system. Some NEVER give 4's others only at year end. It is very much an atmosphere of, "let's shove everyone into a "3" grade so no one feels bad". The broad range of what makes up a 3 makes the grading system useless and leaves my children wondering what they are striving for. We moved here from Texas and let me say, although South Bay is great by Washington standards, it pales in comparison with the NEISD in Texas.
Posted: July 25, 2011
My son finished Kindergarten this year and we were extremely satisfied with the quality of the teacher (Ms. White). My son had social anxiety and did not want to go to kindergarten. After a month, he loved going to school. My other son went to couple private school and now I wish we would have sent him to South Bay Elementary. The school principal, the counselor, and other staff seem to be very professional and they truly care about the students. We have been extremely impressed about the academic and overall quality.
Posted: June 1, 2011
This staff and the Teacher are very caring and helpful. They treated are students as they were they own kids, and if you have any concerns regarding any assigments they are always there to give your child the helping hands. I have two children there for almost four years, and I hate to move then out this school. I know my kids will miss the school as well as I am. Thank you Southbay for educating my kids.
Posted: May 4, 2011
I am interested in your programs for special needs children and also if you have art and music programs.
Posted: May 22, 2007
Posted: May 22, 2007
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avonlea | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lacey | WA | 5.4 mi | |
| 2 | Woodsmuir | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Olympia | WA | 5.6 mi | |
| 3 | Clocktower | Neighborhood/Subdivision | DuPont | WA | 9 mi | |
| 4 | Tahoma Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Yelm | WA | 13.8 mi | |
| 5 | Hawaiian Village | Apartment Complex | Lakewood | WA | 15.3 mi | |
| 6 | westridge apartments | Apartment Complex | Tacoma | WA | 16.9 mi | |
| 7 | North End | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 20.5 mi | |
| 8 | Stadium District | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 21.9 mi | |
| 9 | Silver Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 24.6 mi | |
| 10 | Gem Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 24.7 mi | |
| 11 | Lost Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Graham | WA | 26 mi | |
| 12 | McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 29.6 mi | |
| 13 | The Ridge at McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 30.2 mi | |
| 14 | Kitsap Lake | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 34.3 mi | |
| 15 | Manette | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 35.1 mi | |
| 16 | Fairway Lane | Apartment Complex | Bremerton | WA | 35.7 mi | |
| 17 | Whisper Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 37.6 mi | |
| 18 | Blueberry Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 37.9 mi | |
| 19 | The Reserve at Bucklin Hill | Apartment Complex | Silverdale | WA | 40 mi | |
| 20 | The Carriages at Fairwood Downs | Apartment Complex | Renton | WA | 40.8 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stonegate | Olympia | WA | 5.3 mi | |
| 2 | Port Orchard | Port Orchard | WA | 32.8 mi | |
| 3 | East Bremerton | Bremerton | WA | 39.1 mi | |
| 4 | Silverdale | Silverdale | WA | 39.2 mi | |
| 5 | Bainbridge Island | Bainbridge Island | WA | 40.2 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Fort Lewis | 12.8 mi. |
| McChord AFB | 16.1 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton | 34.2 mi. |
| Coast Guard Seattle | 41.9 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap Bangor | 44 mi. |
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