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Ballard High School

Public | 9-12 | 1606 students

 
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

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2010:
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11 reviews of this school


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Posted November 4, 2011

Great teachers, horrible administration. The administrative personnel are true bureaucrats, education is secondary at best. I have found the principle and vice principal condescending, unresponsive to parent concerns, and completely incompetent in dealing with student issues.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 28, 2010

ballard high school is the only school in seattl and king county that offers the martime program which is alot of fun. the teacher are mazing and are alway makingclass fun and easy to learn in.
—Submitted by a student


Posted May 15, 2009

Ballard is a great school. Excellent teachers and wonderful parent community. Even though it is a large high school - they have various programs that have tried to give it a smaller feel. Great sports programs and many good kids.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 10, 2008

I am in the Ballard Maritime Achademy and it is the reason I go to school everyday. Teachers Mr. Foster and Mrs. Vogel are fun and inspiring. I love the opertunities the academy has given me and I know it will continue providing them. If a prospective Ballard student has any maritime background, the Ballard Maritime Academy is the best option for you.
—Submitted by a student


Posted November 15, 2007

Fantastic executive leadership - the principal/vice principals are largely alums, demonstrating the depth of commitment to the community. The school's foundation has raised $2 million over ten years - making ballard high school in seattle one of the most highly supported public schools in america. The school's video production program is rated as the #1 high school film school in america - graduates regularly go to the top film schools on both coasts. The biotechnology program has enormous support from industry and top universities in the region. The institute of finance regularly sends its graduates to wall street for elite internships with the top firms. The earl kelly performing arts center is a top flight drama program. The best thing is that students can be involved with all of these programs during their four years at ballard - the school is inclusive, open and diverse.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 12, 2006

I am a student at Ballard in the biotech academy. I love it at this school, the academics are good. I know a few things that could be changed, but its still a good school. Our football team is not doing so well but, women's soccer is doing phenomenally with the new help of the freshman. The art program is pretty good quality, but I'm in art class and I don't like it because the teacher doesn't give you much 'breathing room' for creativity. You have to follow her rules. the music program sounds good and I like Mr.James the Music teacher, but the biotech LA class competes with the orchestra. I don't know much about parent involvement because I hardly ever see parents, but there are so many booster clubs I can only assume it's doing well. The school climate is very positive but it has its complications.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 17, 2006

Ballard High School has a reputation of being a party school, but it is still one of the best public schools in the Seattle area. It is a very safe school and it has one of the best locations for a high school.
—Submitted by a student


Posted April 28, 2005

Ballard High School is excellent. It recently completed a 30 Million dollar renovation and is now widely recognized as one of the premier High Schools in Seattle. They have an excellent teaching faculty, excellent music and drama department, the sports program was the state championship in football (2 years ago) and the grounds are fantastic.
—Submitted by a former student


Posted April 15, 2005

Ballard offers high quality programs taught by excellent teachers. The school is big, and can be impersonal, but parent involvement is exceptionally good.
—Submitted by a teacher


Posted April 1, 2005

As the parent of a Ballard High School student, I must say we've had our share of academic disappointments. My student is in Advanced Placement Language Arts. She has frequently felt bored and unchallenged (not to mention concerned about the number of substitute teachers she has endured). Another issue is the failure on the part of many teachers to provide feedback on assignments. My student takes the time and effort to do homework; the least the teachers could do is critique, grade and return the assignments! If your student is interested in becoming a solid writer or would like to pursue the arts, Ballard High is not the school to attend.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 7, 2005

Ballard High is a great community in a great neighborhood and is improving academically but still not terribly rigorous. It's Seattle's most popular high school, a great building and a community where kids enjoy themselves. Academic opportunities for highly motivated kids are somewhat limited., though Ballard is sending a few graduates each year to selective colleges. There are AP courses in every department but they are not numerous. There have been some good principals lately (with one exception) so a lot of good faculty have been recruited. My sense is the math department is quite good; social studies and science have some great teachers and some not-so-good ones. It's a school where good students can get what they need, but average kids could get lost. (though that is probably true of a lot of high schools)
—Submitted by a parent


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.

192 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
81%

2011

 
 
59%
Biology I

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

120 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
94%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 91% in 2012.

150 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
95%

2011

 
 
92%
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

 
 
39%
Biology I

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

257 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 59% in 2012.

148 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
73%

2011

 
 
71%
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.

2012

 
 
n/a

2011

 
 
39%
Biology I

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

10 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%
Geometry

The state average for Geometry was 37% in 2012.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
44%

2011

 
 
50%
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.

23 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
35%

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 Students81%
Female83%
Male79%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White85%
Low incomen/a
Not low income86%
Special educationn/a
Not special education82%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students94%
Female98%
Male91%
Blackn/a
Asian70%
Asian/Pacific Islander70%
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White98%
Low income75%
Not low income97%
Special educationn/a
Not special education94%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students95%
Female96%
Male94%
Blackn/a
Asian87%
Asian/Pacific Islander87%
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White97%
Low income89%
Not low income96%
Not special education95%
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 income53%
Not low incomen/a
Special educationn/a
Not special educationn/a
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students55%
Female55%
Male56%
Black39%
Asian55%
Asian/Pacific Islander55%
Hispanic44%
Multiracial48%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White60%
Low income43%
Not low income59%
Special education30%
Not special education59%
Limited Englishn/a
Migrantn/a

Geometry

All Students73%
Female70%
Male76%
Black54%
Asian60%
Asian/Pacific Islander60%
Hispanic77%
Multiracial82%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White76%
Low income66%
Not low income76%
Special education43%
Not special education78%
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 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
Migrantn/a

Biology I

All Students60%
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 Students44%
Femalen/a
Male50%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Native Americann/a
White40%
Low incomen/a
Not low income43%
Special educationn/a
Not special education59%
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 Students35%
Femalen/a
Male36%
Blackn/a
Asiann/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Low income25%
Not low incomen/a
Not special education36%
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.

373 students were tested at this school in 2010.

2010

 
 
59%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2012.

345 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
87%

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
86%
Science

The state average for Science was 50% in 2011.

379 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
71%

2010

 
 
63%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 85% in 2012.

344 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
89%

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
90%
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 Students87%
Female88%
Male86%
Black75%
Asian80%
Asian/Pacific Islander80%
Hispanic67%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White92%
Low income73%
Not low income92%
Special education61%
Not special education91%
Limited English8%
Migrant40%

Writing

All Students89%
Female94%
Male85%
Black56%
Asian84%
Asian/Pacific Islander84%
Hispanic78%
Native Americann/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White94%
Low income75%
Not low income93%
Special education74%
Not special education91%
Limited English8%
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 67% 63%
Asian 11% 7%
Hispanic 10% 18%
Black 7% 5%
American Indian/Alaska Native 3% 2%
Hawaiian Native/Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Two or more races 1% 5%
Source: NCES, 2010-2011

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 122%N/A40%
Special education 211%N/A13%
Transitional bilingual 26%N/A8%
Source: 1 NCES, 2010-2011
Source: 2 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 11N/A12
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

Teacher education levels

  This school District averageState average
Master's degree or higher 65%N/A66%
Source: WA OSPI, 2009-2010

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1418 NW 65 St
Seattle, WA 98117
Phone: (206) 252-1000

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