The top reported proficiency rate is 62% in Science. The lowest is 56% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Michael T Simmons Elementary
Michael T Simmons Elementary is a regular public school in Tumwater, Washington, serving kindergarten through fifth grade. It is part of the Tumwater School District, which covers the city and operates six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The elementary school itself sits in a residential area near the central part of Tumwater, a city shaped by its history as the site of the former Olympia Brewery and now a mix of state government offices, commercial corridors, and neighborhoods along Interstate 5.
Academically, Simmons Elementary posted results from the 2024-25 state assessments, the only year of testing data available. Across English language arts, math, and science, the share of students meeting or exceeding standards varied by grade and subject, but overall the school performed well relative to other elementary schools in Thurston County. The school’s combined proficiency across all tested subjects and grades placed it in the top quartile among districts in the county. In third grade, for example, about half of students were proficient in ELA and roughly six in ten in math. Fourth-grade results were stronger, with about six in ten proficient in both subjects. Fifth-grade math dipped somewhat, while fifth-grade science showed a solid majority meeting the standard. Because no multi-year trend data is available, this is a single snapshot; a parent may want to ask the school about longitudinal patterns.
The student body is predominantly White, with a sizable Hispanic population and smaller shares of students who identify as Asian, two or more races, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native. About two in every five students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting a moderate level of economic diversity. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was not reported in the data provided. The school serves roughly four hundred students, placing it at a moderate size for an elementary school in this region.
Tumwater itself has seen steady growth. Its population increased modestly between the 2020 census and a 2024 estimate. The city’s economy is anchored by state government agencies such as the Washington State Department of Health and Labor and Industries, along with private employers like Cardinal Glass and Pepsi Northwest Beverages. The Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater metropolitan area has been recognized for economic strength, with a concentration of STEM and advanced-industry jobs. The Tumwater Craft District, a mixed-use development on the former brewery site, has brought restaurants, retail, housing, and a partnership with South Puget Sound Community College’s brewing program.
Housing in the immediate area is moderately priced compared to the state benchmark, though still above the national median. Rents and home values have been relatively stable. A typical home purchase would require a significant commitment relative to median household income, and renting is generally cheaper than buying at current mortgage rates. The Intercity Transit system provides public transportation connecting Tumwater to Olympia, Lacey, and local college campuses. Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, with trails and views of the Deschutes River, is a popular community gathering spot.
At the district level, voters in February 2022 approved a four-year replacement educational programs levy and a separate capital projects and technology levy, both running through 2026. These levies support staff, programs, technology, and facility improvements across the district, including at Simmons Elementary.
For a family considering Simmons Elementary, the school offers a solid academic foundation relative to its county peers, a moderately diverse student body, and a community with stable employment tied to state government and growing craft-industry development. The lack of multi-year test data, attendance figures, and program details means a parent would likely want to visit the school and speak with staff about current initiatives and student support structures. The school fits families seeking a mid-sized elementary in a suburban setting with access to outdoor amenities and public transit, within a district that has maintained local funding through recent levies.
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