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GreatSchools Rating

Bellingham High School

Public | 9-12 | 1109 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

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15 reviews of this school


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Posted February 6, 2013

We love BHS! This school has TONS of school spirit. The teachers and staff are simply fantastic. The use of technology is terrific. Our teachers care so much and do all they can for the students. I can't think of a better high school than this!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 9, 2012

it's the best school ever they have great teachers and this is the best freshmen year ever go bellingham
—Submitted by a student


Posted September 12, 2010

I could not ask to attend a better high school. The building is clean, the teachers do their very best to create a good learning environment, our priciple is AMAZING, the athletics may not have the best coaches but the school spirit is incredible, even the lunch food is good. With academics: you get what you put in. The techers and counselors will definitely support you. I love this school and will be sad to leave it.


Posted October 4, 2009

We have the best principal in the history of the universe, and lots of great teachers who are very charismatic.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 25, 2008

its an amazing school. i couldnt be more happier to be going here. =]
—Submitted by a student


Posted February 20, 2008

The principal, Steve Clarke, of Bellingham is friends with everyone. He is the most inspiring man, and all of the students look up to him. Freedom is a major concept - kids don't abuse their rights of off campus lunches and breaks. As a freshman, it helps me become more independent and I cherish my walks through the colorful strips of resturaunts downtown. Respect for other schools remains strong, and games against other schools are clean without any verbal or cruel comments. All you can see is red at stadiums. There is a range of different types of people who go there, so it's so effective to how I think about people in general. There isn't any cliques. It's like a big family there. Even though the school is huge, there is so many oppurtunites there and an endless list of choices for electives and classes. Go there.
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 11, 2007

As a parent of a freshman at BHS I just wanted to say that I couldn't have asked for a better high school! Steve Clarke was awarded the title as the 'Best Principal in Washington State' and either the second or third best in the nation for public schools. The facility is outstanding. It was newly renovated just a couple years back which definitely sets itself apart from the other two schools in the district. I know that one of the things that my daughter enjoys about Bellingham High School is the privilege to leave the building at lunch as a freshman. Other schools allow sophomores, juniors, and seniors leave for lunch, but BHS is the only one that allows freshman too as well. The school is conveniently located a couple blocks away from many restaurants. There are many other aspects of Bellingham that are fantastic, too many to type!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2007

I love Bellingham High School. I'm a freshman and I think out of all 3 schools Bellingham is the best (I have friends at all of them)! The Principal, Mr. Steve Clarke is an amazing principal, one of the best in the country! Whoever said that this school needs to improve it's principal leadership is crazy! When given the choice between Squalicum and Bellingham High School, I chose Bellingham in a heart beat! Why does Bellingham get over 600 transfer applications a year? It's simple, it's an outstanding school! Theres no other school that I would rather spend 180 days a year at!
—Submitted by a student


Posted January 4, 2007

I love Bellingham! This is my first year there and I love it. I'm never scared to go in the bathrooms or down hallways because everything is safe and clean. Mr.Clark is the best principal ever! He walks around school at lunch picking up peoples garbage! He is always there and knows many of the students by name. I would highly reccomend this school to anyone!
—Submitted by a student


Posted October 2, 2006

With a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, ranging from sports to economics, Bellingham High School offers something for everyone. BHS couldn't ask for a better principal. Mr. Clarke spends time getting to know the students and listening to them and their needs. He respects the students and, in turn, they respect him. Mr. Clarke has high expectations for faculty and students alike and, because he has earned their respect, his expectations are met by most. If you are looking for a school that will welcome your student while challenging him/her academically, look no further! Our daughter attended BHS for four years and we would strongly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 5, 2005

Bellingham is a wonderful school. My child has attended her whole high school and loved it. I never heard one complaint.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted December 5, 2005

Bellingham High School is a great high school, it truly shapes its students and lives by their 'collective committments' that honor respect. You will never find a better principle than Mr. Steve Clarke who truly loves each of his students. Every teacher is knowledgable and generous. BHS is a truly a unique high school and I couldn't recommend it enough.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted September 3, 2005

My student after moving from Sehome found that Bellingham wasnt challenging. Very disapointed in this school. Would not recommend
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2005

Principal leadership is a problem.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted November 30, 2004

I wouldn't want to be anywhere other than BHS! The combination of the amazing community, the amount of activities offered, the atmosphere of the school itself and the people involved make it top notch! They make me want to go to school everyday. It's a brand new absolutly beautiful school, and the Collective Commitments that were developed by students before we opened spell out the main expectations of the members or our school community without making them feel like rules. Simply put they are to treat all members of the BHS community with respect, treat our building with respect, and to stress the importance of quality work. It's an incredible school, and I'm going to miss it when I graduate!
—Submitted by a student


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 56% in 2012.

95 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
56%

2011

 
 
52%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 81% in 2012.

191 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
91%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 91% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
96%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 45% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 94% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
31%
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 61% in 2012.

278 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
78%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 59% in 2012.

99 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
56%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 23% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 27% in 2012.

14 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
43%

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 44% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 37% in 2012.

16 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
46%
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 15% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 2

The state average for Integrated Math 2 was 21% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

The state average for Algebra I was 20% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Biology I

The state average for Biology I was 36% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 27% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Integrated Math 1

The state average for Integrated Math 1 was 29% in 2012.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
n/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Students56%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic53%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White58%
Low incomen/a
Not low income61%
Special educationn/a
Not special education56%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students91%
Female90%
Male93%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic88%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White93%
Low income82%
Not low income93%
Special educationn/a
Not special education91%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Male97%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic100%
Multiracialn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Whiten/a
Low income86%
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special education31%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students78%
Female78%
Male77%
Blackn/a
Asian60%
Asian/Pacific Islander55%
Hispanic63%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White82%
Low income68%
Not low income82%
Special education39%
Not special education81%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students55%
Female58%
Male50%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanic32%
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White64%
Low income47%
Not low income63%
Special educationn/a
Not special education54%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Students43%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Geometry

All Students38%
Femalen/a
Male40%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White46%
Low income27%
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special education27%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a

Integrated Math 2

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Algebra I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Biology I

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a

Geometry

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low incomen/a
Not low incomen/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a

Integrated Math 1

All Studentsn/a
Whiten/a
Not special educationn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used End-of-Course (EOC) examinations to assess students in Algebra I, Geometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Biology. The EOC tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Math

The state average for Math was 42% in 2010.

235 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
54%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

280 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
90%

2011

 
 
93%

2010

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

232 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
60%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 85% in 2012.

281 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
93%

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
94%
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Reading

All Students90%
Female91%
Male88%
Blackn/a
Asian80%
Asian/Pacific Islander82%
Hispanic84%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White92%
Low income83%
Not low income93%
Special education39%
Not special education95%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students93%
Female96%
Male90%
Blackn/a
Asian90%
Asian/Pacific Islander91%
Hispanic94%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White93%
Low income91%
Not low income94%
Special education60%
Not special education97%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % basic, level 3, or level 4

About the tests


In 2011-2012 Washington used the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) to test students in reading and writing in grade 10. Math skills are tested by the End-of-Course (EOC) exams. The HSPE is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Washington. The goal is for all students to score at or above the state standard.

The different student groups are identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. If there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See Washington's state standards

Source: Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 85% 64%
Hispanic 7% 16%
Asian/Pacific Islander 3% 9%
Black 3% 6%
Native American 2% 3%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 29%N/A42%
Special education 9%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 0%N/A8%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per classroom teacher 20N/A17
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years educational experience 12N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 79%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

2020 Cornwall Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 676-6575

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