Bellingham High School is a public high school in the Bellingham School District located in Bellingham, Washington. The school serves students primarily from Whatcom, Kulshan, and Shuksan Middle Schools.
Serving 1,188 students in grades 9-12, Bellingham High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 44% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 79% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,188 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Top 50% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 44% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 79% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Bellingham High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Bellingham High School's student population of 1,188 students has grown by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 55 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,188 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1938
School Calendar
School Rankings
Bellingham High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bellingham High School is 0.52, which is less 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
#447 out of 2088 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
79%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
9%
Hispanic
18%
26%
Black
2%
5%
White
67%
48%
Hawaiian
1%
2%
Two or more races
7%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bayhawks, Circa 2022 (formerly Red Raiders, 1938-2021)
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bellingham High School's ranking?
Bellingham High School is ranked #447 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Bellingham High School often compared to?
Bellingham High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sehome High School, Squalicum High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bellingham High School?
The graduation rate of Bellingham High School is 84%, which is equal to the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Bellingham High School?
1,188 students attend Bellingham High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Bellingham High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Bellingham High School?
Bellingham High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Bellingham High School offer ?
Bellingham High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bellingham High School part of?
Bellingham High School is part of Bellingham School District.
In what neighborhood is Bellingham High School located?
Bellingham High School is located in the Sunnyland neighborhood of Bellingham, WA. There are 2 other public schools located in Sunnyland.
School Reviews
Review Bellingham High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
