The top reported proficiency rate is 74% in Science. The lowest is 71% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Voyager Elementary
Voyager Elementary serves kindergarten through fifth grade in the Gig Harbor area as part of the Peninsula School District. It is a regular public school, meaning it does not have a charter or magnet designation in the data reviewed here. The student body is large for an elementary school, and the surrounding community shapes the peer environment in clear ways. A relatively low share of students qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch, and the population is predominantly white, with smaller shares of students who identify as Asian, Hispanic, or of two or more races. That demographic profile reflects the socioeconomic composition of this part of Gig Harbor.
Academically, Voyager posts strong results on the state's assessments. In math and English language arts, proficiency rates are solid across third, fourth, and fifth grades. Fifth-grade science scores follow the same pattern. When compared against other elementary schools within Pierce County districts, Voyager's combined proficiency places it in the top tier. It is a school where consistently above-average test performance across subjects is the norm. The data does not include specific program listings, such as magnet themes or specialized after-school offerings, but the school's academic record speaks directly to its core instructional strength.
Some data points that many families find useful are absent from the state reporting used here. The share of students receiving special education services or classified as English learners was not included in the public testing file for this school year. Similarly, chronic absenteeism rates and discipline data were not available. For a parent whose child has an Individualized Education Program or is an English learner, a conversation with the school about staffing ratios and support structures would be worthwhile. The same applies to anyone curious about day-to-day attendance patterns or school climate.
The housing market around Voyager is a major factor for residents and prospective families. Home values in the 98335 ZIP code are well above national and state medians, and rents are correspondingly high. The typical monthly housing cost, whether renting or buying, is steep relative to many other parts of the county and state. This is an area where a family's housing budget will go less far than in many other Pierce County communities. Gig Harbor itself has seen steady growth over the past several decades, evolving from a bedroom community for Tacoma into a place with its own tourism-oriented waterfront and commercial corridors. The Peninsula School District recently secured voter approval for an operating levy and a capital levy, indicating community backing for school funding.
Voyager Elementary fits a family looking for a straightforward, high-performing suburban elementary school in a high-cost housing market. Its academic record is the headline, placing it among the stronger schools in the county. The missing special-population and climate data create a small information gap that a prospective parent would want to close with a school visit or a call. The demographic and economic profile of the attendance area is relatively narrow, which may matter to families seeking a more diverse peer environment. For those who value strong test scores, stable district funding, and a community that has been growing and investing, Voyager is a school worth considering.
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