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Average

#1588 of 2,228 schools in WA

Meridian High School

High School · Meridian School District

194 W LAUREL ROAD, Bellingham, WA 98226

Enrollment

537

Student-Teacher

20.7:1

Score

5.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Washington schools

#1,588 of 2,228

In Bellingham

#20 of 29

public schools

In district

#3 of 4

Meridian School District

Equity

7.7 / 10

Very Good

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Meridian High School

5.3/10

High School in Bellingham · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Meridian Special Programs

Nearby

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Meridian Parent Partnership Program

6.1/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Meridian High School

Meridian High School is a public high school in Bellingham, WA, part of Meridian School District. Meridian High School serves approximately 537 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Meridian High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 out of 10 and ranks #1,588 of 2,228 schools in WA.

Structured state assessment records for Meridian High School show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts below WA schools
  • This school 5.3 · Average
  • WA avg 5.8

What Parents Should Know

Meridian High School runs 20.7:1 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.

Meridian High School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

39% of students at Meridian 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 metrics
Student Progress6.8Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.38 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.3Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency43.4% (2024 SBA)
Reading/ELA Proficiency70.8% (2024 SBA)
Math vs. State Avg+11.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+9.6 pts
Overall Proficiency57% (2024 SBA, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)61% (model expectation from 2024 SBA)
vs. Expected-3.6 pts
Adjusted Percentile60th
College Readiness3.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation12.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.4Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio20.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,219
Chronic Absenteeism39.1%

Meridian High School — Students at Meridian High School score 57% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 61%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

24.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores WA SBA (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 58.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
35.8% (2024 SBA)
ELA Proficiency 76.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
55.9% (2024 SBA)

Based on 29 test records from WA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
42%
ELA
82%
2010
Math
72%
ELA
82%
2011
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2012
Math
82%
ELA
87%
2013
Math
87%
ELA
82%
2014
Math
37%
ELA
52%
2015
Math
52%
ELA
77%
2016
Math
47%
ELA
87%
2017
Math
52%
ELA
72%
2018
Math
57%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
57%
ELA
77%
2022
ELA
62%
2024
Math
43.4%
ELA
70.8%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.8/10.

How Meridian High School Compares

See how Meridian High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.3/10
29th percentile in WA
Academic
7.3/10
Very Good
Growth
6.8/10
Average
Environment
3.4/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
3
State avg: 2.8
Sports
13
6 boys' · 7 girls'
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
25%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
26 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
39.1%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs3 AP courses offered
12.8% participation·State avg: 2.8 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics13sports offered
6 boys'·7 girls'·14 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

194 W LAUREL ROAD, Bellingham, WA 98226

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Meridian High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. THE FRANKLIN ACADEMY (rated 7.9/10, 5.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Parkview Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 5.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST PAUL'S ACADEMY (rated 6.9/10, 5.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Bellingham, see our Bellingham schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 6.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Meridian Special Programs Bellingham 0.1 mi
Meridian Parent Partnership Program Bellingham 0.1 mi 6.1
Meridian Middle School Lynden 2.3 mi 6.0
Irene Reither Elementary School Everson 2.5 mi 5.2
Cordata Elementary School Bellingham 3.8 mi 2.9
Intergenerational High School Bellingham 4.9 mi 3.4
Shuksan Middle School Bellingham 5.4 mi 5.1
Birchwood Elementary School Bellingham 5.7 mi 4.5
Alderwood Elementary School Bellingham 5.6 mi 4.9
THE FRANKLIN ACADEMY Bellingham 5.9 mi 7.9
ST PAUL'S ACADEMY Bellingham 5.9 mi 6.9
Parkview Elementary School Bellingham 5.9 mi 7.2
Lynden Student Services Lynden 5.8 mi 5.1
BELLINGHAM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bellingham 5.9 mi 6.0
Lynden Academy Lynden 6.3 mi 5.0
Fisher Elementary School Lynden 6.2 mi 4.6
Blaine Re-Engagement Blaine 6.3 mi
Columbia Elementary School Bellingham 6.4 mi 6.5
PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NW Ferndale 4.2 mi 3.5
Sunnyland Elementary School Bellingham 6.3 mi 6.2

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 98226 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$79,684

Median Home Value

$568,400

Median Rent

$1,557/mo

Population

45,739

College Educated

39.5%

Homeownership

62.2%

Avg Commute

19.4 min

Poverty Rate

11.5%

Median Age

40.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Adna Middle/High School Adna, WA 5.2
Foss High School Tacoma, WA 5.2
Montesano Jr-Sr High Montesano, WA 5.2
Tacoma School of the Arts Tacoma, WA 5.2
Columbia Virtual Academy - Kettle Falls Kettle Falls, WA 5.4
Blaine High School Blaine, WA 5.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Meridian High School

What grades does Meridian High School serve?

Meridian High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Meridian High School?

Meridian High School has an enrollment of approximately 537 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Meridian High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Meridian High School is 20.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Meridian High School rank in WA?

Meridian High School ranks #1,588 of 2,228 schools in WA.

What is Meridian High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Meridian High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.3 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 Meridian High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Meridian High School has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 76% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Meridian High School a charter school?

No, Meridian High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Meridian High School a Title I school?

No, Meridian High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Meridian High School?

24.8% of students at Meridian 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
24 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
32 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
537
Student-Teacher Ratio
20.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
26
Free/Reduced Lunch
24.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Whatcom County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
39.1%

District

Meridian School District
District Enrollment
1,903
Schools in District
6
Per-Pupil Spending
$16,219
District Rank
#3 of 4

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