Northeast Tacoma Elementary School

Tacoma, WA 98422

Phone: (253) 571-6933
District: Tacoma School District

8

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 440 students

Northeast Tacoma Elementary School, a public school located in Tacoma, WA, serves grades PK-5 in the Tacoma School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Northeast Tacoma Elementary School is a public school located in Tacoma, WA. 440 students attend Northeast Tacoma 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: April 27, 2026

As a parent, I’ve had several concerning experiences with this school that have left me feeling unsupported and overlooked.
First, my daughter has been going through a difficult time, and after reaching out for help, I was told that schools typically have resources available. However, none were ever offered or mentioned to me. Whether those supports exist or not, the lack of communication made me feel like we were left to figure everything out on our own.
Second, when my daughter started her first menstrual cycle at school, I had instructed her to go to the nurse. She did, but there was another situation involving a missing child, and her needs were overlooked. I was never notified and didn’t find out until months later, after she had gone through it alone and felt embarrassed. I understand emergencies happen, but this still warranted follow-up communication.
Third, my daughter has been struggling with attendance. I’m doing my best to support her, but I need support from the school as well. There have been instances where she was marked present when she was actually absent, which raises concerns about accountability.
I have only seen the school principal once, briefly in her office. As a parent, I would appreciate more visible leadership.
That said, the school counselor is an absolute angel—kind, attentive, patient, and clearly hard-working. It feels like she truly does her best to support students, and I wish more staff interactions reflected that same level of care.
Lastly, during my recent visits to the front office, I’ve noticed a lack of basic acknowledgment. When I say good morning, I’m often not responded to. I’m not expecting much—just a simple greeting. It may seem small, but those interactions set the tone and can contribute to feeling disconnected.
Overall, communication, support, and attentiveness need improvement. I want my child to feel safe, supported, and seen—and right now, that hasn’t been our experience.

Posted: April 27, 2026

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Posted: August 24, 2024

Devenuti is the best principal a parent could hope for. From greeting and releasing students daily to getting cameras installed to encouraging Dads to join in on the school activity with the DOGS program.

Volunteering at this school is actually fun and you see lots of involved parents.

The PTA is on their game and the communication is excellent, especially since it's an all volunteer force.

Posted: August 24, 2024

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Posted: May 12, 2024

Posted: May 12, 2024

Posted: May 12, 2024

This school is underrated; it’s the hidden gem in NE Tacoma. The staff, principal, and PTA are so passionate about the students and truly have created a supportive community. We have been here 3 years and have only positive things to say!

Posted: May 12, 2024

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Posted: August 1, 2023

The ECAEP program is amazing. That team truly cares about the students and pushes for family engagement. We've been so happy with our experience so far.

I also love the resource coordinator at the school. She is so knowledgeable and really tries to help bridge a gap for families. We've had a great experience at this school. My student misses school when there are breaks. I love that.

My only caveat is that I don't think they challenge the students academically enough.

Posted: August 1, 2023

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Posted: October 5, 2022

As a member of the team I can say that the staff truly care about the whole child and work hard to create a learning environment where students feel valued and look forward to learning! Administration prioritizes equity and celebrates diversity.

Posted: October 5, 2022

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Posted: June 7, 2022

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Posted: June 7, 2022

I have been teaching at Northeast for five years. I count myself lucky to be part of such an amazing team! Every teacher here cares deeply for kids. And not just for their academic growth. Kids are loved here for every aspect of who they are. We have an amazing weekend food pack program for families. At Christmas and Thanksgiving we provide gifts and meals to many of our families. We have a principal, Mrs. Devenuti, who always puts kids first. Coming out of the pandemic this staff is more dedicated then ever to help each one of our kids with all of their needs. You will see art projects, science experiments, virtual field trips, community circles, interactive play, and so much more. Teaching at a school that is about the whole child and not just test scores is something special! And on top of all this, we have the best families and community supporting us!

Posted: June 7, 2022

Posted: June 7, 2022

We have a 4th grader, 1st grader, and soon to be Kinder at NE elementary! NE has become a home away from home. Our boys all thrive and grow here. The staff has always been above and beyond helpful and caring. We have always felt the genuine love and interest in helping our boys succeed in their academics. We have yet to meet staff here from teachers, to specialist, to even the facility maintence who have let us down! The administration in the office is wonderful with open communication and the teachers are the same! It means the world that our boys are EXCITED to go to school every day.

Posted: June 7, 2022

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Posted: June 7, 2022

We have been very satisfied with NE Tacoma- especially with the chaos of the pandemic.

Posted: June 18, 2021

This school is beyond great. The teachers care about the kids and the front desk staff are super friendly, helpful and professional. My kids love this school.

Posted: June 18, 2021

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Posted: June 12, 2019

My child has really struggled with bullying this year. They were supposed to have these social groups but I think they only did them once or twice then dropped the ball. Over the years she has been in a slow decline, academically and emotionally over all the abuse she has to endure. I feel the school does nothing about it.

Posted: June 12, 2019

At first it was fine but since the new principal has been there things are declining.

Posted: June 12, 2019

Seems to be tons of homework this year. Hours a day for weeks at a time then nothing. Then tons of it again.

Posted: June 12, 2019

If you asked me last year I would have a completely different answer but our teacher this year has been dismissive disconnected and even hostile sometimes.

Posted: June 12, 2019

My child has a disability and has really struggled this year with bullies. I feel her teacher and other staff do nothing and are not keeping us informed about her challenges.

Posted: June 12, 2019

Posted: June 12, 2019

I had to get my kid on a 504 plan to make sure they are doing everything for my kid that she needs.

Posted: May 12, 2015

This school is absolutely amazing, despite some of the little upsets I've had here. I went to this school when I was in 4th and 5th Grade 15 years ago and had no complaints about it. Obviously, it's had some changes but good changes! My oldest daughter probably had the same Kindergarten teacher as the student mentioned in the other review because I did not like her at all. She was rude, not friendly, just had this attitude and mean look about her. I personally didn't like that year for my daughter, but I asked her quite often how her class was doing and if her teacher was ok and she would tell me she liked the teacher/class so I guess it was just me. The teacher made the kids read 20 mins/day at home and I thought that was harsh at first esp in Kinder but now that my daughter is in 1st Grade, I'm glad she did that because she is now a top Accelerated Reader! I adore her 1st Grade teacher. She is great! I volunteer in class often and get to see how the class is instructed upfront while helping out and I have so much good things to say. My youngest is in ECEAP preschool here and it is just as terrific. Also love that they added an Art aspect to the school. Makes it more fun to learn!

Posted: February 17, 2015

My son is in the 3rd grade at Northeast Tacoma Elementary. We've been very happy with the school. His teachers have been great. We recently lost a family member which was very difficult for my son. His teachers, along with counsellors, have played a huge role in getting him to a better place and on track with the rest of his peers. I can't say enough good things about this school. We're very lucky.

Posted: November 11, 2014

After reading the latest post I feel inclined to post as well. My daughter started this school in 1st grade. I absolutely adored (and still do adore) her teacher. She is now in 4th grade. My son started preschool and I loved his teachers as well. BUT his Kindergarten year was absolute torture. His teacher was so mean and obviously HATED him. She even said rude comments about him the next year to his 1st grade teacher. Luckily, she (the same teacher my daughter had) is amazing and helped him regain his love for school and learning. This school offers everything my children need. My daughter is advanced and in the GATE program and my son is behind and involved in LAP and other programs that provide him the extra help he needs. I say to this parent who is having a bad time to advocate for your child. Demand a classroom change. Do NOT be afraid to stand up to the principal or his teacher. There is almost always 1 bad apple but I'm happy and secure in assuring you that there are far, far more good than bad teachers here. FYI: I do actually despise the principal so don't let him tell you that you're wrong like he did to me. You're probably not.

Posted: October 15, 2014

They are harsh on kids. My child consistently is not getting free time or they remove minutes off from recess over petty trespasses like closing the case to eye glasses which they complain is too loud. They threatened to fine us over one day of absence for an excused family emergency because my child's teacher didn't turn in the note that was in my child's folder for turn in. I also called the absence line the day of. The staff is rude and the teacher is just mean. My child is actually afraid of the teacher. My child jumps or hides behind me when the teacher is present. This school is just blah. I should have kept my child at Federal Way's school district their schools are by far superior and my child had no issues there. Please reconsider sending your child to this prison.

Reviews provided by GreatSchools™

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12 Manette Neighborhood/Subdivision Bremerton WA 22.8 mi
13 Kitsap Lake Neighborhood/Subdivision Bremerton WA 25.1 mi
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# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Maple Valley Maple Valley WA 16.6 mi
2 Black Diamond Black Diamond WA 17.5 mi
3 Port Orchard Port Orchard WA 21.7 mi
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