The top reported proficiency rate is 64% in Science. The lowest is 50% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on James Baldwin Elementary School
James Baldwin Elementary School sits within the Seattle Public Schools district, serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in a regular, non-charter public school setting. The school buildings are located in a residential section of north Seattle, part of a major Pacific Northwest city that has seen rapid tech-driven growth and rising housing costs. A parent looking at this school should know the Seattle district itself has been under financial pressure in recent years, with declining enrollment leading to a projected budget shortfall. The district passed a large capital levy in 2022 for school construction and technology upgrades, but it has also considered and then scaled back school closure plans, so the broader district's financial picture is worth understanding.
James Baldwin Elementary is a relatively small elementary school for its grade band. The student body is diverse: the largest groups are Hispanic students and white students, each making up roughly a third of enrollment, with Black students also forming a notable share. Asian, multiracial, and a small number of Native American and Pacific Islander students round out the composition. A substantial share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Data on the number of students receiving special education services or English learner supports was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those programs and supports.
On state assessments from the most recent school year, overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades at Baldwin falls below the midpoint when compared with other elementary schools in King County. The school's combined proficiency index places it in the lower half of the county's districts. In math, proficiency rates varied by grade: roughly half of third graders met the bar, with a lower rate for fourth graders and a slightly higher rate for fifth graders. In English language arts, third and fifth graders performed at similar levels, around half proficient, while fourth graders were a bit below that. Science results, available only for fifth graders, were notably stronger, with nearly two-thirds reaching proficiency. Because the data shows only a single year of results, there is no multi-year trend to assess improvement or decline.
For this school, there is no graduation rate because it serves only elementary grades. The school's academic performance is a mixed picture. The science result is a clear strength, indicating solid instruction in that subject at the fifth-grade level. The math and English results, while not among the highest in the county, are within a range that many families find acceptable, though the lower fourth-grade scores in both subjects highlight a grade level where the school may want to focus support. A parent considering this school may want to ask about the specific curricula and interventions used in fourth grade to understand why that year's results dip.
The neighborhood around the school is part of Seattle's competitive housing market. Home values in the area are high, reflecting the metro area's overall expense, and the local rental market is similarly elevated. The school's location within the city means families have access to Seattle's parks, libraries, and transit system, including light rail and bus service. The urban setting offers a range of civic and cultural amenities but also the trade-offs of city living, including higher costs and some distance from suburban open space.
Overall, James Baldwin Elementary offers a diverse, small-school environment in a major city. Its academic profile shows a bright spot in science and mixed results in math and reading, with the fourth-grade year looking like a point of concern relative to other grades. The district's ongoing budget constraints are a reality that families moving to the area should factor in, as they may affect class sizes, program availability, and school configuration over time.
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