Ballard High School is a high school in Seattle, Washington, located in the Ballard neighborhood.
Serving 1,697 students in grades 9-12, Ballard High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 94% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,697 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 20% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Ballard High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Ballard High School's student population of 1,697 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 74 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,697 students
Total Classroom Teachers
74 teachers
Year Founded
1903
Colors
Black, Red
School Rankings
Ballard High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ballard High School is 0.47, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.69. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#64 out of 2088 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
71%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
9%
Hispanic
10%
27%
Black
2%
5%
White
71%
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
12%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
9%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bucky The Beaver
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ballard High School's ranking?
Ballard High School is ranked #64 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Washington.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
71% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ballard High School?
The graduation rate of Ballard High School is 93%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Ballard High School?
1,697 students attend Ballard High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Ballard High School students are White, 12% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ballard High School?
Ballard High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Ballard High School offer ?
Ballard High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ballard High School part of?
Ballard High School is part of Seattle School District No. 1.
In what neighborhood is Ballard High School located?
Ballard High School is located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, WA. There are 2 other public schools located in Ballard.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
They have some specialized academic programs that are great. Regular program not so good. High quality drama and music programs. Sports....just plain bad. Parents are involved and supportive.
3 10/10/2025
This is a very large public school with a good selection of advanced and AP classes. They have a number of very strong academies (i. e. bio tech, maritime study)of study within the school, as well as academic pathways (i.e. engineering, film) that have fewer requirements then the academies. A student can create a very academically rigorous schedule and not pursue either of those paths. In general, the teachers are quite strong and engaged with the students. The music and film programs are excellent. The lacrosse program is strong, but it's not yet recognized as a varsity sport in WA state. There are tons of clubs and groups to join at this school and the student body is really engaged. Good parental involvement.
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