Washington state is a hub for innovation, known for producing some of the biggest tech companies in the world. From Amazon and Microsoft to Boeing and Starbucks, Washingtonians have a long history of trailblazing in their respective fields. The state's commitment to innovation extends to its educational institutions, which offer diverse opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
However, not all schools are created equal, and what constitutes a “good” school can vary depending on the needs and goals of individual students. We've compiled a list of the 10 top-rated schools in Washington based on factors such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, parent reviews, and student satisfaction.
Whether you're a parent looking for the best school for your child or a student seeking higher education, this list will help you learn about the top-rated schools in Washington ranked in ascending order.
Best Elementary Schools
Greenwood Elementary School
144 Northwest 80th Street, Seattle, WA 98117
Greenwood Elementary School, located in Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood, is a public school that serves students from preschool to fifth grade. Established in 1909, the school has a long-standing tradition of providing quality education to its diverse student body. With 341 students and a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, Greenwood offers a personalized learning experience emphasizing academic excellence and community involvement.
According to GreatSchools.org, the school has a 10/10 overall rating, and its standardized test scores are far above the state average. For instance, 89% of students attain proficiency in English, 78% in math, and 82% in science.
Greenwood Elementary School offers a variety of courses and programs that help students develop their skills and interests. For example, the school provides art courses like drawing and sketching. The school also offers instrumental music at various grade levels. Additionally, the school has a range of after-school clubs that provide students with enrichment activities. These include cooking, science, chess, Spanish, and crafts.
The teachers at Greenwood Elementary School are experienced and highly qualified, with 95% having at least three years of teaching experience and 100% being certified full-time teachers.
Overall, Greenwood Elementary School provides an enriching learning environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and student success, ranking as one of the best elementary schools in the state.
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Somerset Elementary School
14100 Somerset Boulevard Southeast, Bellevue, WA 98006
Somerset Elementary School is a public school for grades K-5 in the Bellevue School District. With just over 658 students and an impressive 20:1 student-to-teacher ratio, it stands out from other schools within its district—even more so considering the state average of 18:1. As a 10/10 rated academy according to GreatSchools.org, this educational hub promises top-notch academic excellence that rivals any prime institution.
The school boasts excellent standardized test scores, with students performing far above the state average in math, science, and English. 91% of students attain proficiency in math, 93% in English, and 91% in science.
Somerset Elementary School provides its students with an exciting range of learning opportunities, from Spanish language and band to specialized clubs like Girls on the Run and robotics. Students can explore various hobbies, including arts & crafts, cooking, drama, and gardening.
97% of the faculty members have three or more years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified. The school also has a part-time nurse and psychologist.
Parents of students at Somerset Elementary School have praised the school for its excellent and caring teachers, strong PTSA, and well-funded extracurricular activities. The school's commitment to diversity and inclusivity makes it a perfect choice for families looking for a welcoming and supportive environment for their children. Of the schools in Washington, Somerset is a good choice for people in Bellevue.
Medina Elementary School
8001 Northeast 8th Street, Medina, WA 98039
Medina Elementary School is a highly-rated public school in the Bellevue School District. The school provides education to students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. With a student population of 559, Medina Elementary has a low student-teacher ratio of 19:1, which is only slightly higher than the state average of 18:1.
The school has a strong focus on academic excellence, as evident from the GreatSchools.org rating of 10/10. The standardized test scores are impressive, with most students performing at or above grade level. The students at Medina Elementary performed better than the state average in math, science, and English.
The parents of students at Medina Elementary School are very involved in the school community. They actively support the teaching staff and provide extra-curricular activities for students. According to a parent review, the PTA funds hiring additional teachers and teaching assistants. This ensures that students receive individualized attention and support in their academic pursuits.
The school's focus on academic excellence, diversity, inclusivity, and strong community involvement makes it an ideal place for students to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Bennett Elementary School
17900 Northeast 16th Street, Bellevue, WA 98008
Bennett Elementary School is a public school in the Bellevue School District, serving students from PK-5. With a student population of 513, the school has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1, which is lower than the state average. According to GreatSchools.org, the school gets a 10/10 overall rating.
The standardized test scores at Bennett Elementary School are far above the state average, and the students perform better in math, science, and English than students across the state. Precisely, 80% of students attain proficiency in math, 82% in science, and 82% in English.
The school offers its students a range of courses and programs, including music courses such as band and world languages such as Spanish. Bennett Elementary also hosts after-school childcare programs for all elementary-age children in the district and an onsite City of Bellevue Boys and Girls Club after-school program.
Bennett Elementary School is diverse and inclusive. According to the school's website, the student body is composed of students from various backgrounds, including White (43%), Asian (39%), Hispanic (5%), and Black (4%).
The staff values working collaboratively with students' families, and they believe that the school-home connection plays a vital role in the success of their students and their program at Bennett. Bennett Elementary School is a great school committed to working as a team to provide the highest quality education to students in Bellevue.
Best Middle Schools
Drum Intermediate School
4909 79th Ave W, University Place, WA 98467
Drum Intermediate School is a public school in University Place School District, serving students in grades 5-7. With a student population of 584, the school has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, similar to the state average. According to GreatSchools.org, the school has an overall rating of 9/10.
The institution's students are a force to be reckoned with! Nearly 80% have achieved proficiency in English, while 74% and 68% excel in math and science tests. Their test scores surpass the state average – an impressive accomplishment for this school's brilliant minds.
At this school, students can learn music with band, orchestra, and choir courses. Or they might prefer shooting hoops in their beginner or advanced basketball programs. There are also plenty of opportunities to join student clubs like dance classes and homework assistance groups.
Drum Intermediate School has a fully certified and experienced staff, with 100% of teachers having at least three years of experience and full-time teachers certified. The school also employs a part-time nurse and psychologist.
According to a parent review, the school provides excellent communication with parents and emphasizes strong academics, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their classes with up-to-date resources. Drum Intermediate School is a high-performing middle school that provides a safe, caring, and inclusive learning environment for grades 5-7. It's a good choice for middle schools in Washington.
Narrows View Intermediate School
7813 44th St W, University Place, WA 98466
Narrows View Intermediate School is a public school in the University Place School District and serves students in grades 5-7. With a population of 680, the school has a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, just slightly above the state average of 18:1. However, 97% of the teachers have at least three years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified.
The school has received a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org. Narrows View's students consistently perform better in math, English, and science than students across the state. For example, 81% of students attain proficiency in English, 76% in math, and 73% in science.
At Narrows View, educational excellence takes precedence. Students experience an in-depth focus on core content areas during their daily learning sessions – 80 minutes of language arts and math plus 40 more minutes devoted to science, social studies, music, and other enriching topics.
In addition to academics, the school offers extracurricular activities such as cross country and football. Music courses are also available in band, choir, and orchestra. The school has a part-time psychologist and nurse.
Parents have expressed satisfaction with the school, with one Google Review stating that they would send all their kids to Narrows View if they had the chance. Narrows View Intermediate School is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality public education in University Place.
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Mossyrock Middle & High School
295 Williams Street, Mossyrock, WA 98564
Mossyrock Middle & High School is a public school serving grades 7-12 within the Mossyrock School District. With an enrollment of 225 students, it is a small school that provides a personalized learning experience for each student.
Mossyrock Middle & High School has received a 9/10 rating from GreatSchools.org, and its standardized test scores are far above the state average. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, with all full-time teachers being certified and having at least three years of experience.
Mossyrock Middle & High School offers many exciting curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Students can challenge themselves with the school's AP programs, taking college-level coursework while potentially earning college credit. Additionally, students can let loose on the sports field or court through their selection of football, volleyball, basketball – and more. As for those who enjoy a variety of clubs outside academics, student organizations provide numerous activities aiding social enrichment and leadership development.
The school's website emphasizes its commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment that fosters student growth and success. Overall, Mossyrock Middle & High School is an excellent option for families seeking a small, personalized learning experience within a supportive community.
Best High Schools
North Creek High School
3613 191st Place Southeast, Bothell, WA 98012
North Creek High School, located in Bothell, Washington, is a public high school in the Northshore School District. The school serves a diverse population of 1,619 students in grades 9 through 12. North Creek High School has an outstanding academic program, and GreatSchools.org has awarded it a perfect 10/10 rating.
The school offers a wide range of Advanced Placement courses, College-in-the-High-School courses, and unique offerings like Aviation: Introduction to Flight. It also has fantastic arts programs, from Drama to Band, Orchestra, and Choir.
The school has an impressive 43% participation rate in Advanced Placement courses, and its students consistently perform above the state average in most subjects. The school also boasts a 98% graduation rate.
North Creek High School is committed to providing a supportive, inclusive environment fostering academic excellence and personal growth. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 23:1, which is higher than the state average of 18:1.
Despite the high ratio, the school's teachers are experienced and certified, with 93% of teachers having at least three years of experience and all full-time teachers being certified. In addition, the school has a full-time psychologist and law enforcement officer.
With its focus on academic excellence, inclusive community, and solid extracurricular programs, North Creek High School is an excellent choice for parents in
Mount Si High School
8651 Meadowbrook Way Southeast, Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Mount Si High School, located in Snoqualmie Valley School District, is a public school that serves grades 9-12. With 1,924 students, it is one of the larger high schools in the area. The school has received an overall ranking of 8/10 from GreatSchools.org.
Mount Si strongly focuses on college preparation, with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and an impressive 98% 4-year high school graduation rate. It has 71% of students enrolled in Dual Enrollment classes. The school also offers 23 Advanced Placement courses, with a participation rate of 20%. Mount Si High School also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including 4A KingCo league athletics, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
The school has a higher-than-average student-teacher ratio of 25:1, but the high percentage of experienced and certified teachers helps to ensure that students receive high-quality instruction. 89% of teachers have at least three years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified. Mount Si High School also has a full-time nurse and psychologist on staff and a part-time social worker.
According to a parent review, both of their children felt supported by the teachers and administrative staff at Mount Si High School and were well-prepared for college. All of this amounts to Mount Si being one of the top schools in Washington.
Mercer Island High School
9100 Southeast 42nd Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Mercer Island High School(MIHS) is a highly-rated public school in Mercer Island, Washington. It is a comprehensive four-year high school that serves 1,552 students in grades 9-12. The school is a part of the Mercer Island School District.
The school received a perfect 10/10 rating from GreatSchools.org, which reflects its excellent academic performance. The students at MIHS perform above average on standardized tests and have an average SAT score of 1,293.
The school also offers 22 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with 36% of students participating in AP classes. MIHS has a diverse student body, with 20% of students being Asian and 8.7% being multiracial.
MIHS offers various co-curricular activities, including 66 clubs such as robotics, trivia, journalism, coding, and chess clubs. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, slightly above the state average of 18:1.
Most of the teaching staff has at least three years of experience, and all full-time teachers are certified. The school also has a full-time nurse, psychologist, part-time law enforcement officer, and a part-time security guard. Its diverse student body, experienced teaching staff, and strong community support make it an excellent choice for families seeking a quality education for their children.
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Finding the Right School for Your Child
Washington state is a great place for parents to find academically excellent schools for their children. From public high school college preparatory programs, elementary nurturing environments, and specialized academies focused on the arts or sciences – this area has something special for every student.
These 10 top-rated public schools in Washington offer notable features such as low student-teacher ratios, impressive standardized test scores, and participation rates in AP courses with co-curricular activities that provide additional support outside of academia. With so many fantastic options available – your child will be set up to succeed no matter what they choose.
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