2021 Best Public High Schools in Seattle and WESTERN Washington
There are a lot of considerations when you choose the community in which you’ll raise your kids, make a life, and what have you.
For sure, knowing where and who will be educating your kids is among the top priorities, I’m sure. I have two young daughters and we are contemplating schools, both short-term and long-term all the time it seems, so I decided to share out some of the research we’ve been doing for high schools in the event that some of this is of use to those considering a move. And, I hope it goes without saying - if you have any questions about moving or finding a new community, please reach out anytime and I’m happy to share what I know - 206-832-5661.
Without further adieu, below are two charts that will outline the top schools in our greater area - first, City of Seattl-specific public high schools, and then the best of the best in Western Washington.
TOP 10 SEATTLE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
9/10 Rating - Roosevelt High School**
8/10 Rating - Ballard High School
7/10 Rating - The Center School
7/10 Rating - Ingram High School*
6/10 Rating - Cleveland High School*
6/10 Rating - Garfield High School
6/10 Rating - West Seattle High School
5/10 Rating - Franklin High School
5/10 Rating - Nathan Hale High School
5/10 Rating - Nova High School
KEY FACTS
SAT Score state avg - 1067
Test Score state age - English 61% / Math 50% (bolded schools are above state averages)
COMPARISONS
*Low marks for equity among disadvantaged students.
**Award-winning school for college readiness.
TOP 12 GREATER SEATTLE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
10/10 Rating - Mercer Island High School** (Mercer Island)
10/10 Rating - Newport Senior High School** (Bellevue)
10/10 Rating - Mt. Si High School** (Snoqualmie)
10/10 Rating - Tesla STEM High School (Redmond)
9/10 Rating - Lake Washington High School (Kirkland)
9/10 Rating - Eastlake High School** (Sammamish)
9/10 Rating - International Community School (Kirkland)
9/10 Rating - Kamiak High School** (Mukilteo)
9/10 Rating - Woodinville High School** (Woodinville)
9/10 Rating - Roosevelt High School** (Seattle)
9/10 Rating - International School (Bellevue)
9/10 Rating - Glacier Peak High School (Snohomish)
**Award-winning school for college readiness.
COMPARISONS
NOTE: Data pulled from GreatSchools.org.
SOME ADDITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FAQ
What is a magnet school?
In the U.S. education system, magnet schools are public schools with specialized learning focuses. "Magnet" refers to how the schools draw students from across the normal boundaries and is defined by authorities as school zones that feed into certain schools. Attending a magnet school is voluntary.
What are the best stats for considering a school’s ability to prepare a student for college?
GreatSchools.org says to remember to look beyond the graduation rate to ensure students are getting good marks on their class grades and standardized test scores - these are what they will need to take the next step in their education.