Are you thinking of moving to Gig Harbor, but want to know that your kids will get a great education here?
Look no further!
I’m Lindsay Jackman, a realtor here in Gig Harbor and I’m going to tell you why I love our schools, and I think you will, too. Watch the video below, or read on!
Gig Harbor is home to six elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools, plus two alternative schools. Gig Harbor schools are some of the strongest and most innovative in the State of Washington, ranked #11 for Student Athletes, and #44 overall out of 253 districts in the state.
Our schools have great teachers, too. The average student-teacher ratio for Gig Harbor schools is 18:1, 100% of all teachers are certified, and over 90% have more than three years of teaching experience. This teacher care shows in Gig Harbor schools’ high graduation rates and national test scores.
Gig Harbor also loves its high school sports. The Gig Harbor High School Tides Baseball team won the state championship in 1997, then again 20 years later in 2017. GHHS has also won a total of 11 state titles in Track & Field. And the Peninsula High School football team won back-to-back SPSL 3A championships in their 2012 and 2013 seasons.
If you are looking to move to Gig Harbor with your family, rest assured that your kids will be getting a great education with Gig Harbor Schools!
Gig Harbor Schools
High Schools
Gig Harbor High School
- National Ranking: #3,362
- WA High School Ranking: #61
- Overall Score: 81.16/100
- Total Enrollment: 1,478
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Mascot: Tides

Gig Harbor High School (GHHS) opened its doors in the fall of 1979 as the second high school in Gig Harbor. The initial design concept was based on the co-teaching model in which the classrooms offered flexibility to expand or sub-divide their spaces to accommodate large or small class groups.
Peninsula High School
- National Ranking: #4,464
- WA High School Ranking: #82
- Overall Score: 74.98/100
- Total Enrollment: 1,477
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Mascot: Seahawks

Peninsula High School was built in 1947 in its current location above Burley Lagoon on Purdy Drive. At the time it was the only high school serving the Gig Harbor Peninsula and Key Peninsula.
Middle Schools
Goodman Middle School
- WA Middle School Ranking: #267
- Overall Score: 39.68/100
- Total Enrollment: 477
- Full Time Teachers: 27
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Mascot: Roadrunners
Mission Statement: The community of Goodman Middle School will set high standards for learning while providing a safe, nurturing environment in which students are encouraged to explore a variety of subjects and concepts.
Harbor Ridge Middle School
- WA Middle School Ranking: #191
- Overall Score: 56.92/100
- Total Enrollment: 572
- Full Time Teachers: 29
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Mascot: Falcons
Mission Statement: Harbor Ridge Middle School will work collaboratively to achieve high standards of learning for all by meeting the artistic, academic, physical, social and emotional needs of our school community within a safe, supportive and hopeful environment.
Kopachuck Middle School
- WA Middle School Ranking: #107
- Overall Score: 75.96/100
- Total Enrollment: 472
- Full Time Teachers: 25
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Mascot: Coyotes
Mission Statement: At Kopachuck, we take pride in Perseverance in achieving our goals, Responsibility in our school and community, Integrity in our work and actions, Diversity in our acceptance of all, and Excellence in all we do.
Elementary Schools
Artondale Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #203
- Overall Score: 81.38/100
- Total Enrollment: 421
- Full Time Teachers: 27
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Macot: Otters
Mission Statement: It is the mission of Artondale Elementary School to provide a safe and caring environment involving parents, staff and students where all children will reach their highest potential academically, socially and emotionally.
Discovery Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #143
- Overall Score: 86.82/100
- Total Enrollment: 534
- Full Time Teachers: 31
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Mascot: Explorers
Mission Statement: We at Discovery Elementary School are committed to providing a solid foundation in the academics and personal growth of our students. This is achieved through developing a sense of connectedness, a sense of uniqueness, a sense of responsibility, and experiences with a variety of educational models.
Harbor Heights Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #448
- Overall Score: 58.8/100
- Total Enrollment: 445
- Full Time Teachers: 30
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Mascot: Orcas
Mission Statement: Harbor Heights, in partnership with parents and the community, prepares all students academically and socially to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Minter Creek Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #540
- Overall Score: 50.32/100
- Total Enrollment: 328
- Full Time Teachers: 25
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Mascot: Dolphins
Mission Statement: To provide a safe, positive and supportive community focused on lifelong learning.
Purdy Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #379
- Overall Score: 65.16/100
- Total Enrollment: 500
- Full Time Teachers: 37
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Mascot: Panthers
Mission Statement: …to grow, learn and inspire.
Voyager Elementary
- WA Elementary Ranking: #139
- Overall Score: 87.19/100
- Total Enrollment: 480
- Full Time Teachers: 34
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Mascot: Vikings
Mission Statement: At Voyager, all students achieve high academic standards and learn skills necessary to be productive world citizens.
Gig Harbor Public Schools
From the Superintendent:
“By carefully aligning our values and goals within a strategic plan, we will ensure the district is moving in the right direction to achieve our mission and vision.” – Superintendent Krestin Bahr
What are Gig Harbor Schools like for Students?
Reviews from current and former students:
- “If it hadn’t been for the tenacity of the teachers, I might not have graduated.”
- “Great school in a great school district!”
- “Great school. Great programs. One of the best schools in my opinion.”
Resources