Serving 420 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Northern Heights Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the Washington state average of 53%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 420 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northern Heights Elementary School's student population of 420 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
420 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Northern Heights Elementary School provides a balanced, engaging, and comprehensive education that prepares all students for success as global citizens.
School Rankings
Northern Heights Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern Heights Elementary School is 0.59, 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
#663 out of 2088 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
49%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
6%
9%
Hispanic
16%
26%
Black
1%
5%
White
60%
48%
Hawaiian
1%
2%
Two or more races
15%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Heights Elementary School's ranking?
Northern Heights Elementary School is ranked #663 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Northern Heights Elementary School often compared to?
Northern Heights Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Parkview Elementary School, Silver Beach Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Northern Heights Elementary School?
420 students attend Northern Heights Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Northern Heights Elementary School students are White, 16% of students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northern Heights Elementary School?
Northern Heights Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Northern Heights Elementary School offer ?
Northern Heights Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northern Heights Elementary School part of?
Northern Heights Elementary School is part of Bellingham School District.
In what neighborhood is Northern Heights Elementary School located?
Northern Heights Elementary School is located in the Barkley neighborhood of Bellingham, WA. There are 2 other public schools located in Barkley.
School Reviews
Review Northern Heights Elementary 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.
