Bellingham High School

Summary:

Bellingham High School is a public high school in Bellingham, Washington, serving 1,218 students in grades 9-12. This school stands out as a high-performing institution within the Bellingham School District, consistently ranking among the top high schools in the state.

Bellingham High School's academic performance is exceptional, with 74.83% of 10th-grade students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 37.59% proficient or better in Math, significantly outpacing the state and district averages. The school's science proficiency rates are also impressive, with 60.78% of 11th-grade students proficient or better. Bellingham High School maintains a strong four-year graduation rate, ranging from 84.2% to 91.1% over the past five years, and a relatively low dropout rate compared to the state and district. The school's diverse student population, with 66.83% White, 17.98% Hispanic, 3.45% Asian, and 7.72% two or more races, is higher than the surrounding Squalicum High School and Sehome High School.

Bellingham High School's specialized programs, such as the Bellingham Re-Engagement Program and Options High School, provide valuable educational opportunities for students with unique needs or alternative educational paths. While these specialized programs have lower academic performance and higher dropout rates compared to the main Bellingham High School, they demonstrate the school's commitment to serving a diverse student population. Additionally, Bellingham High School's relatively high per-student spending of $18,736 in the 2021-2022 school year may contribute to its strong academic performance and the support it provides for its diverse student body.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 2020 Cornwall Ave
       Bellingham, WA  98225-3648


(360) 676-6575

District: Bellingham School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
94th of 437 Washington High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $18,736 Help


Feeder schools for Bellingham High School:

Elementary:    Birchwood Elementary School
    Columbia Elementary School
    Geneva Elementary School
    Parkview Elementary School
Middle:    Kulshan Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  20.8 Help
Number of students:  1,218

Racial breakdown:

White:
66.8%
Hispanic:
18.0%
Two or more races:
7.7%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  34.3% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Bellingham High School ranks better than 78.5% of high schools in Washington. It also ranks first among 4 ranked high schools in the Bellingham School District! (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 72.23. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Bellingham High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (66.8%), Hispanic (18%), two or more races (7.7%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 34.3% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Bellingham High School is 20.8, which is the 3rd best among 4 high schools in the Bellingham School District. (See more...)
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Compare Bellingham High School employs 58.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Bellingham High School is $18,736. 3 high schools in the Bellingham School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Bellingham High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Bellingham High School 94th of 437 Washington public high schools. (See Bellingham High School in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Bellingham School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Bellingham School District 86th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


What do you think?

Your rating for Bellingham High School?

Rank History for Bellingham High School

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 79.65 67th 390 82.8%
2005 90.38 22nd 394 94.4%
2006 74.39 85th 395 78.5%
2007 74.91 88th 399 77.9%
2008 79.00 58th 396 85.4%
2009 80.18 56th 402 86.1%
2010 83.31 47th 423 88.9%
2011 73.24 49th 440 88.9%
2012 73.11 55th 450 87.8%
2013 74.47 54th 454 88.1%
2015 46.55 175th 341 48.7%
2016 77.05 55th 306 82.0%
2017 77.87 54th 301 82.1%
2018 79.13 54th 315 82.9%
2019 86.10 38th 417 90.9%
2021 75.91 80th 455 82.4%
2022 80.43 65th 434 85.0%
2023 77.56 73rd 442 83.5%
2024 72.23 94th 437 78.5%
See the entire list of Washington High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 58.56 41st 91 54.9%
2019 61.61 52nd 163 68.1%
2021 57.64 71st 195 63.6%
2022 78.80 30th 179 83.2%
2023 73.10 32nd 166 80.7%
2024 48.39 75th 161 53.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 57.81 41st 139 70.5%
2019 95.31 4th 128 96.9%
2021 82.40 10th 212 95.3%
2022 55.31 43rd 130 66.9%
2023 69.07 26th 110 76.4%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 69.50 49th 227 78.4%
2019 79.17 45th 344 86.9%
2021 59.14 120th 392 69.4%
2022 53.18 156th 370 57.8%
2023 74.34 54th 362 85.1%
2024 53.24 155th 356 56.5%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.49 50th 243 79.4%
2019 83.58 40th 358 88.8%
2021 70.72 81st 390 79.2%
2022 80.92 55th 368 85.1%
2023 75.68 79th 357 77.9%
2024 71.37 79th 347 77.2%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 79.06 44th 254 82.7%
2019 87.69 32nd 355 91.0%
2021 78.60 61st 395 84.6%
2022 76.91 69th 363 81.0%
2023 75.25 66th 358 81.6%
2024 66.94 105th 362 71.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 58.14 45th 121 62.8%
2021 7.44 132nd 136 2.9%
2022 26.32 97th 124 21.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 75.64 25th 156 84.0%
2019 72.93 50th 241 79.3%
2021 58.68 93rd 278 66.5%
2022 47.68 122nd 261 53.3%
2023 51.41 109th 249 56.2%
2024 48.00 119th 248 52.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Bellingham High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 77.32 46th 222 79.3%
2019 86.43 27th 382 92.9%
2021 76.07 76th 413 81.6%
2022 81.23 53rd 390 86.4%
2023 75.76 73rd 379 80.7%
2024 75.99 71st 374 81.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Bellingham High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
50%

0%

0%

0%

50%

  

Reviews:
by a student
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Open Quote i love this school Close Quote



Enrollment information for Bellingham High School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 1213 7 46 14 40 n/a n/a 0 1320
1989 1200 9 46 14 43 n/a n/a 0 1312
1990 1194 14 54 19 42 n/a n/a 0 1323
1991 1148 13 56 25 48 n/a n/a 0 1290
1992 1156 20 60 35 58 n/a n/a 0 1329
1993 1194 24 73 50 47 n/a n/a 0 1388
1994 1192 17 83 52 34 n/a n/a 0 1378
1995 1234 21 87 59 35 n/a n/a 0 1436
1996 1234 21 87 59 35 n/a n/a 0 1436
1997 1239 26 104 77 31 n/a n/a 0 1477
1998 1322 26 115 84 32 n/a n/a 0 1579
2001 644 15 31 30 17 n/a n/a 0 737
2002 920 20 37 49 26 n/a n/a 0 1052
2003 920 20 37 49 26 n/a n/a 0 1052
2004 944 20 37 53 37 n/a n/a 0 1091
2005 1002 25 32 52 29 n/a n/a 0 1140
2006 1019 27 34 48 20 n/a n/a 8 1156
2007 1042 36 45 64 23 n/a n/a 8 1218
2008 1031 35 41 85 21 n/a n/a 15 1228
2009 932 32 28 68 23 n/a n/a 20 1103
2010 939 32 36 79 19 n/a n/a 0 1105
2011 921 30 32 113 10 3 0 0 1109
2012 903 32 40 123 11 2 0 0 1111
2013 857 20 29 136 6 5 65 0 1118
2014 854 16 23 138 7 3 78 0 1119
2015 802 12 23 137 13 1 82 0 1070
2016 763 13 26 156 13 2 74 0 1047
2017 771 13 33 160 13 1 69 0 1060
2018 786 18 42 182 17 2 72 0 1119
2019 799 13 47 184 11 3 70 0 1127
2020 848 18 44 188 7 2 82 4 1193
2021 841 13 42 192 9 1 86 10 1194
2022 810 14 34 200 10 2 91 11 1172
2023 814 16 42 219 10 3 94 20 1218

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Bellingham High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1320 59.0 22.3 0
1989 1312 63.0 20.8 n/a
1990 1323 62.7 21.1 0
1991 1290 63.9 20.1 n/a
1992 1329 62.3 21.3 n/a
1993 1388 62.1 22.4 n/a
1994 1378 61.2 22.5 n/a
1995 1436 63.0 22.8 n/a
1996 1436 63.0 22.8 n/a
1997 1477 64.4 22.9 n/a
1998 1579 66.0 23.9 n/a
2001 737 35.3 20.9 n/a
2002 1052 47.6 22.1 21.9
2003 1052 47.6 22.1 21.9
2004 1091 48.0 22.7 n/a
2005 1140 48.5 23.5 6.1
2006 1156 50.3 23.0 0
2007 1218 52.9 23.0 20.8
2008 1228 53.6 22.9 23.8
2009 1103 53.6 20.6 26.6
2010 1105 48.4 22.8 26.8
2011 1109 47.9 23.1 23.4
2012 1111 47.1 23.5 32.3
2013 1118 48.5 23.0 33.8
2014 1119 n/a n/a 30.6
2015 1070 44.0 24.3 30.6
2016 1047 46.0 22.7 32.5
2017 1060 46.0 23.0 29.7
2018 1119 52.9 21.1 30.1
2019 1127 57.2 19.6 31.3
2020 1193 55.3 21.5 31.9
2021 1194 56.4 21.1 29.6
2022 1172 60.5 19.3 27.6
2023 1218 58.3 20.8 34.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Bellingham High School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1320 59.0 22.3 0
1989 1312 63.0 20.8 n/a
1990 1323 62.7 21.1 0
1991 1290 63.9 20.1 n/a
1992 1329 62.3 21.3 n/a
1993 1388 62.1 22.4 n/a
1994 1378 61.2 22.5 n/a
1995 1436 63.0 22.8 n/a
1996 1436 63.0 22.8 n/a
1997 1477 64.4 22.9 n/a
1998 1579 66.0 23.9 n/a
2001 737 35.3 20.9 n/a
2002 1052 47.6 22.1 21.9
2003 1052 47.6 22.1 21.9
2004 1091 48.0 22.7 n/a
2005 1140 48.5 23.5 6.1
2006 1156 50.3 23.0 0
2007 1218 52.9 23.0 20.8
2008 1228 53.6 22.9 23.8
2009 1103 53.6 20.6 26.6
2010 1105 48.4 22.8 26.8
2011 1109 47.9 23.1 23.4
2012 1111 47.1 23.5 32.3
2013 1118 48.5 23.0 33.8
2014 1119 n/a n/a 30.6
2015 1070 44.0 24.3 30.6
2016 1047 46.0 22.7 32.5
2017 1060 46.0 23.0 29.7
2018 1119 52.9 21.1 30.1
2019 1127 57.2 19.6 31.3
2020 1193 55.3 21.5 31.9
2021 1194 56.4 21.1 29.6
2022 1172 60.5 19.3 27.6
2023 1218 58.3 20.8 34.3

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Immunization Rates

Bellingham High School

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201987.7%0.0%1.6%9.3%94.2%94.3%93.4%92.6%95.0%95.5%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Bellingham High School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $426 (3.2%) $12,769 (96.8%) $13,196
2020 $398 (4.1%) $9,210 (95.8%) $9,609
2021 $268 (1.6%) $16,744 (98.4%) $17,012
2022 $636 (3.4%) $18,099 (96.6%) $18,736

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Bellingham High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 38th of 417 High schoolsRanks 73rd of 442 High schools
 7.4%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade English Language Arts (Bellingham High School)89.477.9
 11.5%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)8468.1
 15.9%
   10th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)72.865.9
 6.9%
10th Grade Math (Bellingham High School)51.943.1
 8.8%
   10th Grade Math (Bellingham School District)42.436.3
 6.1%
   10th Grade Math (Washington)42.433.3
 9.1%
11th Grade Science (Bellingham High School)78.661.6
 17%
   11th Grade Science (Bellingham School District)65.964.1
 1.8%
   11th Grade Science (Washington)5050.5
 0.5%
All Grades English Language Arts (Bellingham High School)89.477.9
 11.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)63.755.8
 7.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Bellingham High School)51.943.1
 8.8%
   All Grades Math (Bellingham School District)46.945
 1.9%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Bellingham High School)78.661.6
 17%
   All Grades Science (Bellingham School District)60.459.2
 1.2%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students11271218
 8.1%
African American1316
 23.1%
American Indian1110
 9.1%
Asian4742
 10.6%
Hispanic184219
 19%
Pacific Islander33
White799814
 1.9%
Two or More Races7094
 34.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients31.3%34.3%
 3%


Schools Near Bellingham High School









Frequently Asked Questions about Bellingham High School

Students at Bellingham High School are 67% White, 18% Hispanic, 8% Two or more races, 3% Asian, 2% Not Specified, 1% African American.

Bellingham High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Birchwood Elementary School
Elementary : Columbia Elementary School
Elementary : Geneva Elementary School
Elementary : Parkview Elementary School
Middle : Kulshan Middle School

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,218 students attended Bellingham High School.

Bellingham High School ranks 94th of 437 Washington high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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