A family looking to move to Federal Way once asked with a surprised expression. They had heard that the IB, or International Baccalaureate program, fills up earlier than expected and were worried about missing the application window. When receiving such questions, the first thing to check is.

How long has the school been running this program? Thomas Jefferson High School, part of Federal Way Public Schools, has been designated as an IB World School since 1997 and has been offering the IB Diploma Program. It provides both the full diploma course and individual subject certification, and prepares students through the Middle Years Program starting typically in 6th or 7th grade, which naturally leads into the high school IB Diploma Program. If you are planning to transfer in the middle, it's a good idea to inquire with the school about which grade you can join. The exact application timing and procedures can vary slightly from school to school and year to year, so it's best to confirm directly with the counseling department.

The second thing to check is whether actual academic achievements support this program. The math team at this school has ranked in the top 10 nationally in the Mu Alpha Theta competition for 14 consecutive years and received the Rubine Award in 2011 for contributions to the community. These achievements are not just a one-time success but can be seen as the result of a math program that has been consistently run for a long time. This school has also been hosting the Washington State Math Competition annually since 2005.

The third thing to check is the overall size of the school district. In Federal Way Public Schools, approximately 2,200 students in grades 9 through 12 are reported to have completed and passed AP, IB, or Cambridge courses. While this number alone does not definitively indicate the overall level of the district, it can be seen as a sign that a culture of advanced course completion has been established at the district level, not just at a single school. Even if your child is assigned to another high school within this district, the availability of AP or IB courses may vary by school, so it's advisable to check the course offerings of the assigned school as well.

This school is public, so there are no tuition fees. However, since the IB Diploma Program has a high academic intensity, it's a good idea to assess whether your child is suited for this style of learning in advance. The enrollment numbers and application procedures can change slightly each year, so if you are interested, please check the latest schedule directly on the district's website.

Now, let's move on to rental prices. According to data from RentCafe as of August 2026, the average rent in Federal Way is $1,859. This is a 1.6% decrease from $1,889 a year ago. A one-bedroom averages $1,623, a two-bedroom $1,905, and a three-bedroom around $2,330. Compared to Bellevue's average of $2,778 and Seattle's average of $2,238, Federal Way is about $500 to $900 lower.

So, does lower rent mean a lower quality school district? Not necessarily. As seen above, the achievements of specific programs can operate independently of local rental prices. However, school district boundaries often change, so it's essential to verify the assigned school for that address before signing a lease. Areas with lower rent can reduce the initial settlement cost burden, making them a worthwhile option for families settling in the U.S. for the first time.

If you are coming from another state, it's also worth noting that Washington does not impose a personal income tax. However, property tax and sales tax burdens can vary by county, so please check with the relevant authorities. Considering a tuition-free prestigious program alongside lower rental prices, Federal Way may appear to be a realistic option for families settling in. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with school and real estate professionals before making any applications or contracts.