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 1,165 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 21:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,165 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- 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 1,165 students has stayed relatively flat 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
1,165 students
Total Classroom Teachers
55 teachers
Year Founded
1938
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 0.50, 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
21:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
9%
Hispanic
19%
27%
Black
2%
5%
White
68%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
8%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
28%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Bellingham School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bayhawks, Circa 2022 (formerly Red Raiders, 1938-2021)
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?
1,165 students attend Bellingham High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Bellingham High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bellingham High School?
Bellingham High School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
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
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
