Is Squalicum High School a good school?

Squalicum High School ranks 226 th of 437 Washington high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

How many students attend Squalicum High School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 1,280 students attended Squalicum High School.

What is the racial makeup of Squalicum High School?

Students at Squalicum High School are 56% White, 24% Hispanic, 9% Asian, 8% Two or more races, 1% Not Specified, 1% African American.

What schools feed into Squalicum High School?

Squalicum High School is fed by the following schools: Elementary : Alderwood Elementary School Elementary : Cordata Elementary School Elementary : Northern Heights Elementary School Elementary : Silver Beach Elementary School Middle : Shuksan Middle School Middle : Whatcom Middle School

Squalicum High School

Summary:

Squalicum High School is a public high school in Bellingham, Washington, serving 1,280 students in grades 9-12. While the school has a diverse student population, with higher percentages of Hispanic (24.3%) and Asian (9.06%) students compared to nearby schools, it has faced challenges in maintaining consistent academic performance and addressing achievement gaps.

Squalicum High School's statewide ranking has fluctuated over the years, ranging from 62nd out of 301 high schools in 2016-2017 to 256th out of 455 high schools in 2020-2021. Its four-year graduation rate has ranged from 79.2% to 87.4% over the past five years, lower than the nearby Sehome High School (87.9%) and Bellingham High School (84.3%). Additionally, Squalicum High School's dropout rate has been higher than the nearby schools, ranging from 4.4% to 13.1% over the past five years.

Proficiency rates in English Language Arts, Math, and Science at Squalicum High School are generally lower than the Bellingham School District and Washington state averages, particularly for Hispanic and Asian student subgroups. The school also has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (44.84%) compared to Sehome High School (25.28%) and Bellingham High School (34.32%), suggesting a need for targeted interventions and support programs to address the unique needs of these student populations.

Detail:

Public 9-12

3773 E McLeod Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226-7728

(360) 676-6471

District: Bellingham School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
226^th of 437 Washington High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $19,037

Feeder schools for Squalicum High School:

Elementary:	Alderwood Elementary School
	Cordata Elementary School
	Northern Heights Elementary School
	Silver Beach Elementary School
Middle:	Shuksan Middle School
	Whatcom Middle School

Student/teacher ratio: 19.7

Number of students: 1,280

Racial breakdown:

White:

55.5%

Hispanic:

24.3%

Asian:

9.1%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 44.8%

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Compare Squalicum High School to nearby high schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Squalicum High School ranks worse than 51.7% of high schools in Washington. It also ranks 3^rd among 4 ranked high schools in the Bellingham School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 46.15. (See more...)

The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Squalicum High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.

The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.

Student Body

Compare Details Squalicum High School has the largest high school student body size in the Bellingham School District. Racial makeup is: White (55.5%), Hispanic (24.3%), Asian (9.1%). (See more...)

Compare Details 44.8% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Compare Details (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Squalicum High School is 19.7, which is the 2^nd best among 4 high schools in the Bellingham School District. (See more...)

Compare Squalicum High School employs 64.8 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Squalicum High School is $19,037, which is the 2^nd highest among 4 high schools in the Bellingham School District.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Squalicum High School:

SchoolDigger ranks Squalicum High School 226^th of 437 Washington public high schools. (See Squalicum 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:

Asian students:

Hispanic students:

White students:

Bellingham School District:

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

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Squalicum High School

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Rank History for all students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2004	69.03	112^th	390	71.3%
2005	67.81	129^th	394	67.3%
2006	61.85	159^th	395	59.7%
2007	68.58	121^st	399	69.7%
2008	62.51	157^th	396	60.4%
2009	57.65	201^st	402	50.0%
2010	57.81	204^th	423	51.8%
2011	55.37	181^st	440	58.9%
2012	64.95	120^th	450	73.3%
2013	64.61	153^rd	454	66.3%
2015	16.85	306^th	341	10.3%
2016	51.24	175^th	306	42.8%
2017	75.60	62^nd	301	79.4%
2018	57.44	150^th	315	52.4%
2019	57.50	168^th	417	59.7%
2021	41.76	256^th	455	43.7%
2022	57.88	172^nd	434	60.4%
2023	44.92	242^nd	442	45.2%
2024	46.15	226^th	437	48.3%

See the entire list of Washington High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2019	44.05	89^th	163	45.4%
2021	43.66	102^nd	195	47.7%
2022	60.49	69^th	179	61.5%
2023	52.09	73^rd	166	56.0%
2024	53.49	63^rd	161	60.9%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	31.24	48^th	65	26.2%
2021	64.72	24^th	102	76.5%
2023	19.95	35^th	44	20.5%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	34.87	94^th	139	32.4%
2019	54.94	44^th	128	65.6%
2021	52.77	74^th	212	65.1%
2022	20.35	116^th	130	10.8%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Special Education Students!

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

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	39.87	162^nd	227	28.6%
2019	37.32	235^th	344	31.7%
2021	31.09	287^th	392	26.8%
2022	35.07	246^th	370	33.5%
2023	36.09	235^th	362	35.1%
2024	35.53	242^nd	356	32.0%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Homeless students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	40.64	25^th	43	41.9%
2023	55.65	6^th	19	68.4%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Homeless Students!

Rank History for Female students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	55.96	124^th	243	49.0%
2019	60.54	132^nd	358	63.1%
2021	41.88	218^th	390	44.1%
2022	51.47	171^st	368	53.5%
2023	37.92	223^rd	357	37.5%
2024	37.88	223^rd	347	35.7%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	51.72	133^rd	254	47.6%
2019	52.61	162^nd	355	54.4%
2021	39.55	237^th	395	40.0%
2022	59.29	145^th	363	60.1%
2023	43.28	205^th	358	42.7%
2024	46.06	195^th	362	46.1%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	38.00	60^th	87	31.0%
2019	51.08	59^th	121	51.2%
2021	29.26	98^th	136	27.9%
2022	39.60	79^th	124	36.3%
2023	14.02	107^th	118	9.3%
2024	25.20	87^th	113	23.0%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	52.08	73^rd	156	53.2%
2019	42.49	129^th	241	46.5%
2021	33.90	179^th	278	35.6%
2022	31.42	187^th	261	28.4%
2023	26.75	188^th	249	24.5%
2024	25.79	199^th	248	19.8%

See the entire list of Best Washington High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Squalicum High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked High Schools	WA State Percentile
2018	50.07	122^nd	222	45.0%
2019	53.44	170^th	382	55.5%
2021	38.72	254^th	413	38.5%
2022	57.42	161^st	390	58.7%
2023	45.25	212^th	379	44.1%
2024	48.13	188^th	374	49.7%

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.

Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.5)

50%

by a parent
Friday, November 20, 2015

I have had 2 of my 4 boys graduate Squalicum High School. One is currently a Junior there. We have been very happy at Squalicum and feel it is a good school! Close Quote

Enrollment information for Squalicum High School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1999	1393	24	112	86	32	n/a	n/a	0	1647
2000	1394	26	108	72	32	n/a	n/a	0	1632
2001	1088	21	87	62	29	n/a	n/a	0	1287
2002	1025	19	83	71	18	n/a	n/a	0	1216
2003	1025	19	83	71	18	n/a	n/a	0	1216
2004	1016	17	95	86	23	n/a	n/a	0	1237
2005	1023	25	112	107	23	n/a	n/a	1	1291
2006	985	23	123	110	20	n/a	n/a	8	1269
2007	946	27	145	131	26	n/a	n/a	17	1292
2008	931	29	143	139	24	n/a	n/a	18	1284
2009	880	37	130	147	27	n/a	n/a	33	1254
2010	960	35	143	177	28	n/a	n/a	0	1343
2011	991	39	106	203	15	3	0	0	1357
2012	931	38	126	224	18	4	0	0	1341
2013	888	10	131	226	19	4	71	0	1349
2014	862	10	126	241	20	5	80	0	1344
2015	868	19	131	243	19	11	84	0	1375
2016	841	17	133	275	22	10	94	0	1392
2017	813	25	135	266	13	5	109	0	1366
2018	767	22	148	263	16	5	96	0	1317
2019	732	21	139	252	14	2	95	0	1255
2020	746	17	138	253	13	1	103	4	1275
2021	748	18	136	258	13	2	110	6	1291
2022	711	22	117	283	9	1	110	14	1267
2023	711	14	116	311	8	1	103	16	1280

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 Squalicum High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	1647	72.0	22.9	n/a
2000	1632	72.7	22.4	n/a
2001	1287	54.6	23.6	n/a
2002	1216	55.2	22.0	21.3
2003	1216	55.2	22.0	21.3
2004	1237	57.0	21.7	26.1
2005	1291	57.4	22.5	27
2006	1269	59.3	21.4	28.3
2007	1292	59.8	21.6	29.6
2008	1284	61.1	21.0	30.3
2009	1254	61.1	20.5	34.7
2010	1343	57.2	23.4	33.3
2011	1357	61.0	22.2	30.1
2012	1341	59.6	22.5	40.9
2013	1349	57.9	23.2	41.4
2014	1344	n/a	n/a	40
2015	1375	58.0	23.7	40.4
2016	1392	59.0	23.5	43.8
2017	1366	61.1	22.3	43.3
2018	1317	64.2	20.5	40.7
2019	1255	63.2	19.8	36.4
2020	1275	62.5	20.3	35.4
2021	1291	62.4	20.6	34.4
2022	1267	63.0	20.0	34.3
2023	1280	64.8	19.7	44.8

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 Squalicum High School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1999	1647	72.0	22.9	n/a
2000	1632	72.7	22.4	n/a
2001	1287	54.6	23.6	n/a
2002	1216	55.2	22.0	21.3
2003	1216	55.2	22.0	21.3
2004	1237	57.0	21.7	26.1
2005	1291	57.4	22.5	27
2006	1269	59.3	21.4	28.3
2007	1292	59.8	21.6	29.6
2008	1284	61.1	21.0	30.3
2009	1254	61.1	20.5	34.7
2010	1343	57.2	23.4	33.3
2011	1357	61.0	22.2	30.1
2012	1341	59.6	22.5	40.9
2013	1349	57.9	23.2	41.4
2014	1344	n/a	n/a	40
2015	1375	58.0	23.7	40.4
2016	1392	59.0	23.5	43.8
2017	1366	61.1	22.3	43.3
2018	1317	64.2	20.5	40.7
2019	1255	63.2	19.8	36.4
2020	1275	62.5	20.3	35.4
2021	1291	62.4	20.6	34.4
2022	1267	63.0	20.0	34.3
2023	1280	64.8	19.7	44.8

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.

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