Original Research by School Decision on Career Academy at Truman High School
Career Academy at Truman High School is an alternative high school serving grades nine through twelve in Federal Way, part of Federal Way Public Schools. The school operates as a distinct option from the district’s comprehensive high schools, designed for students who may benefit from a smaller, non-traditional academic environment. Its enrollment is modest, and for a high school of its grade band, that scale means students are likely to receive more individualized attention than they would in a larger setting.
The student body is diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group forming a majority. White students and students identifying as two or more races each make up the largest shares, followed by Black students and Hispanic students, with smaller numbers of Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native students. A large majority of students come from low-income households, as measured by eligibility for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on students with disabilities and English learners was not available in the records reviewed, so a parent may want to ask the school about how it serves those populations.
Academic performance data for Career Academy is limited, which is not unusual for an alternative school with a small enrollment. The most recent state testing results available are for science, where proficiency rates fell well below levels that would indicate strong academic standing; a parent may want to discuss this directly with the school to understand how instruction and assessment work in this setting. Results for math and English language arts from an earlier testing year were suppressed, a common occurrence when very few students take a given test. No graduation rate was reported, potentially because the school’s alternative structure follows a different completion pathway or because the data is not captured in the same way as for traditional high schools. In the absence of these common benchmarks, families should seek out the school’s own records on student progress and postsecondary readiness.
The school’s name includes “Career Academy,” which suggests a vocational or career-focused curriculum, but specific program offerings were not included in the data. Families interested in career and technical education pathways, internships, or work-based learning should confirm what is available directly with the school.
Federal Way is a mid-sized suburban city situated between Seattle and Tacoma, shaped by interstate access and recent transit investment. A light rail station opened in the city in late 2025, providing a direct connection to the broader Seattle area. Housing values in the area are high relative to national medians, and rental costs are substantial, reflecting the region’s overall affordability challenges. The district itself did not have any notable recent changes publicly reported that would affect families’ day-to-day experience.
Career Academy at Truman High School fits a student who may not thrive in a large conventional high school and who wants a smaller, more personalized alternative setting. Because of the gaps in standard academic and outcome data, families should plan an in-person visit or call to learn about the school’s curriculum, student support services, and how it tracks success for its graduates. The school’s small size and alternative classification mean that conventional metrics like test scores and graduation rates may not tell the full story, so direct inquiry is essential for getting a complete picture.
See more original research from School Decision →