Henry Foss High School is an American high school in Tacoma, Washington. Named after civic leader and tugboat tycoon Henry Foss, the school first opened in 1973. Foss was the first high school in Washington state to offer the International Baccalaureate program.
Serving 580 students in grades 9-12, Foss High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6-9% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is lower than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 580 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 80-84% (Top 50% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Foss High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Foss High School's student population of 580 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
580 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Year Founded
1973
Colors
White, Green, Gold
School Rankings
Foss High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,113 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Foss High School is 0.81, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1935 out of 2113 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
8%
9%
Hispanic
26%
26%
Black
21%
5%
White
24%
48%
Hawaiian
5%
2%
Two or more races
14%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-84%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Falcons
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foss High School's ranking?
Foss High School is ranked #1935 out of 2,113 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Foss High School often compared to?
Foss High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Lincoln High School, Stadium High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6-9% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% WA state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Foss High School?
The graduation rate of Foss High School is 80-84%, which is lower than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Foss High School?
580 students attend Foss High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
26% of Foss High School students are Hispanic, 24% of students are White, 21% of students are Black, 14% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Asian, 5% of students are Hawaiian, and 2% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Foss High School?
Foss High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Foss High School offer ?
Foss High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Foss High School part of?
Foss High School is part of Tacoma School District.
In what neighborhood is Foss High School located?
Foss High School is located in the Central Tacoma neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. There are 7 other public schools located in Central Tacoma.
School Reviews
5 6/23/2017
Henry Foss Highschool has a wonderful academic program known as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program which provides any student who enrolls in it with rigorous classes that prepare you for college. The teachers, for the most part, get to know you on an individual level and are not only concerned with your grade in their class but all of your classes. The staff is always ready to help you in all your classes and prepare you for your desired career whether through workforce or college. The music program is available in three types of choirs, band, orchestra, and music theory. Foss has different types of art: painting, ceramics, and wood shop classes. There are many clubs available at Foss and it is fairly easy to start a club if they do not have it. There are several language clubs including French Club, Spanish Club, Korean Club, and Chinese Club. The associated student body (ASB) is always working to make the school environment positive and fun. ASB creates dances and other school activities. Foss is a good school who is open to more positive students. I definitely recommend!
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