Average
#977 of 2,228 schools in WA
Top 44% in state
Bellingham High School
High School · Bellingham School District
2020 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Enrollment
1,188
Student-Teacher
22:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,188
Student-Teacher
22:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Washington schools
#977 of 2,228
In Bellingham
#6 of 29
public schools
In district
#6 of 24
Bellingham School District
Equity
7.6 / 10
Very Good
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Bellingham High School
High School in Bellingham · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Assumption Catholic School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Options High School
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Bellingham High School
Bellingham High School is a public high school in Bellingham, WA, part of Bellingham School District. Bellingham High School serves approximately 1,188 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 22:1 student-teacher ratio. Bellingham High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #977 of 2,228 schools in WA.
Structured state assessment records for Bellingham High School show 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 85% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 6.4
- WA avg 5.8
What Parents Should Know
Bellingham High School runs 22:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
48% of students at Bellingham High School were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Bellingham High School — Students at Bellingham High School score 53% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 54%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
36.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)
Based on 29 test records from WA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.4/10.
How Bellingham High School Compares
See how Bellingham High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
2020 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bellingham High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Bellingham Re-Engagement Program (rated 8.1/10, 0.6 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is EXPLORATIONS ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 0.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sehome High School (rated 6.5/10, 2.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bellingham, see our Bellingham schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL Bellingham | 0.1 mi | 8.4 |
| Options High School Bellingham | 0.1 mi | 4.6 |
| EXPLORATIONS ACADEMY Bellingham | 0.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Whatcom Co Detention Center Bellingham | 0.3 mi | — |
| Whatcom Middle School Bellingham | 0.3 mi | 5.6 |
| CEDAR TREE MONTESSORI Bellingham | 0.6 mi | 6.7 |
| Bellingham Re-Engagement Program Bellingham | 0.6 mi | 8.1 |
| Sunnyland Elementary School Bellingham | 0.8 mi | 6.2 |
| Parkview Elementary School Bellingham | 1.0 mi | 7.2 |
| Carl Cozier Elementary School Bellingham | 0.9 mi | 6.4 |
| GARDENVIEW MONTESSORI Bellingham | 0.8 mi | — |
| Columbia Elementary School Bellingham | 1.0 mi | 6.5 |
| INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL Bellingham | 1.2 mi | — |
| ST PAUL'S ACADEMY Bellingham | 1.2 mi | 6.9 |
| THE FRANKLIN ACADEMY Bellingham | 1.3 mi | 7.9 |
| Visions (Seamar Youth Center) Bellingham | 1.3 mi | — |
| BELLINGHAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bellingham | 1.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Sehome High School Bellingham | 2.1 mi | 6.5 |
| Roosevelt Elementary School Bellingham | 1.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Intergenerational High School Bellingham | 2.1 mi | 3.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 98225 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$62,220
Median Home Value
$588,800
Median Rent
$1,430/mo
Population
50,355
College Educated
48.3%
Homeownership
41%
Avg Commute
19.5 min
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Median Age
32
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| JOHN F KENNEDY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Burien, WA | 6.6 |
| Washougal High School Washougal, WA | 6.6 |
| Gig Harbor High Gig Harbor, WA | 6.5 |
| LAKESIDE SCHOOL Seattle, WA | 6.5 |
| Meadowdale High School Lynnwood, WA | 6.5 |
| Sehome High School Bellingham, WA | 6.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bellingham High School
What grades does Bellingham High School serve?
Bellingham High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Bellingham High School?
Bellingham High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,188 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bellingham High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bellingham High School is 22:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bellingham High School rank in WA?
Bellingham High School ranks #977 of 2,228 schools in WA.
What is Bellingham High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bellingham High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bellingham High School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Bellingham High School has 60% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 85% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Bellingham High School a charter school?
No, Bellingham High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bellingham High School a Title I school?
No, Bellingham High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bellingham High School?
36.6% of students at Bellingham High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,188
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 54
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 36.6%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Whatcom County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 47.9%
- Phone
- (360) 676-6575
Resources & Links
District
Bellingham School District- District Enrollment
- 11,487
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,886
- District Rank
- #6 of 24
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