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Garfield High School

Q: Is Garfield High School a good school?

Garfield High School ranks 58 th of 438 Washington high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Public Grades 9-12

58^th

SchoolDigger Rank ?

of 438 Washington High Schools

Better than 87% of Washington high schools

Summary

Garfield High School is a large, well-regarded public high school serving approximately 1,500 students in grades 9-12 within Seattle's Central District, operating under the Seattle School District No. 1.

The school consistently earns strong 4-star ratings, with a particularly high 91% graduation rate that outpaces state averages, and it excels in science proficiency, scoring well above the district average. However, its math scores are an area for improvement, as they lag behind both the district average and some nearby schools like Cleveland High School STEM and Nova High School. Garfield achieves these solid outcomes efficiently, spending significantly less per student than comparable schools such as The Center School while managing a higher student-to-teacher ratio.

When compared to its neighbors, Garfield stands out as a strong, comprehensive option. It serves a much larger and more diverse student body than specialized schools like The Center School, which has higher test scores but far fewer students and much greater funding. While Franklin High School serves a similar role, Garfield generally shows stronger academic performance. The school's performance has fluctuated in recent years but shows a strong recovery, maintaining its position as a high-performing choice within the district.

1,507

Students ?

21.5

Student/teacher ratio ?

$18,761

Per pupil spending ?

41.2%

Free/discounted lunch ?

400 23 Ave
Seattle, WA 98122-4928

(206) 252-2270

District: Seattle School District No. 1

Feeder schools for Garfield High School:

Elementary:	Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
	Leschi Elementary School
	Lowell Elementary School
	Madrona K-5 School
	More...
	McGilvra Elementary School
	Montlake Elementary School
	Stevens Elementary School
Middle:	Edmonds S. Meany Middle School

Racial breakdown:

White:

33.1%

African American:

29.4%

Two or more races:

12.1%

See top rated Washington high schools

Compare Garfield High School to nearby high schools!

At a glance

▲ Ranking trend: Improving — 79th percentile in 2013 → 87th in 2025

Strengths

✓Test scores above the Washington average (64% vs 48% meeting standards)

✓Ranks in the top 13% of Washington high schools

✓91% graduate in 4 years — above the Washington average (83%)

Worth a look

!Some student groups rank well below the school's overall statewide standing

Students meeting standards (2024-2025) ?

This school64%

District avg63%

Washington avg48%

58^th of 438

Washington public high schools ?

Top 13%▬ steady since 2016

See the entire ranking list of Washington High Schools →

★★★★★

SchoolDigger rating ?

8^th of 15High Schools in the Seattle School District No. 1

45^th of 247Seattle School District No. 1 among Washington districts

Statewide rank percentile over time (100 = the top-ranked school in the state; click a legend item to add a student group)

Show full rank history (all student groups)

All Students

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	81.8	58 of 438	86.8%	★★★★☆
2024	88.2	46 of 437	89.5%	★★★★☆
2023	63.4	145 of 442	67.2%	★★★☆☆
2022	82.8	58 of 434	86.6%	★★★★☆
2021	74.6	86 of 455	81.1%	★★★★☆
2019	88.0	31 of 417	92.6%	★★★★★
2018	78.6	56 of 315	82.2%	★★★★☆
2017	68.1	102 of 301	66.1%	★★★☆☆
2016	81.1	40 of 306	86.9%	★★★★☆
2013	69.7	97 of 454	78.6%	★★★★☆
2012	59.4	176 of 450	60.9%	★★★☆☆
2011	53.4	204 of 440	53.6%	★★★☆☆
2010	85.3	35 of 423	91.7%	★★★★★
2009	84.0	38 of 402	90.5%	★★★★★
2008	86.9	25 of 396	93.7%	★★★★★
2007	83.5	39 of 399	90.2%	★★★★★
2006	85.4	32 of 395	91.9%	★★★★★
2005	74.7	88 of 394	77.7%	★★★★☆
2004	75.7	82 of 390	79.0%	★★★★☆

African American

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	44.3	46 of 80	42.5%	★★☆☆☆
2024	62.4	22 of 70	68.6%	★★★☆☆
2023	52.4	41 of 78	47.4%	★★☆☆☆
2022	34.0	59 of 89	33.7%	★★☆☆☆
2021	26.6	88 of 111	20.7%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	27.9	65 of 86	24.4%	★☆☆☆☆
2018	50.8	26 of 54	51.9%	★★★☆☆

Asian

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	73.4	30 of 119	74.8%	★★★★☆
2024	77.6	26 of 113	77.0%	★★★★☆
2023	82.2	23 of 118	80.5%	★★★★☆
2022	70.2	33 of 124	73.4%	★★★★☆
2021	72.2	35 of 136	74.3%	★★★★☆
2019	81.9	19 of 121	84.3%	★★★★☆
2018	72.0	24 of 87	72.4%	★★★★☆

English Language Learner

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	47.3	31 of 85	63.5%	★★★☆☆
2024	57.7	20 of 68	70.6%	★★★★☆
2021	60.7	27 of 102	73.5%	★★★★☆
2018	63.5	16 of 65	75.4%	★★★★☆

Female

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	79.7	54 of 350	84.6%	★★★★☆
2024	88.6	34 of 347	90.2%	★★★★★
2023	57.9	143 of 357	59.9%	★★★☆☆
2022	77.2	67 of 368	81.8%	★★★★☆
2021	72.1	76 of 390	80.5%	★★★★☆
2019	85.9	33 of 358	90.8%	★★★★★
2018	85.1	23 of 243	90.5%	★★★★★

Hispanic

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	72.5	53 of 249	78.7%	★★★★☆
2024	73.4	46 of 248	81.5%	★★★★☆
2023	74.6	42 of 249	83.1%	★★★★☆
2022	79.7	41 of 261	84.3%	★★★★☆
2021	50.6	127 of 278	54.3%	★★★☆☆
2019	86.6	23 of 241	90.5%	★★★★★

Homeless

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2021	23.1	36 of 45	20.0%	★☆☆☆☆
2019	54.7	18 of 43	58.1%	★★★☆☆

Low Socio Economic Status

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	62.5	111 of 355	68.7%	★★★☆☆
2024	72.7	70 of 356	80.3%	★★★★☆
2023	49.7	180 of 362	50.3%	★★★☆☆
2022	43.8	201 of 370	45.7%	★★☆☆☆
2021	46.8	195 of 392	50.3%	★★★☆☆
2019	51.6	157 of 344	54.4%	★★★☆☆
2018	58.2	99 of 227	56.4%	★★★☆☆

Male

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	76.7	64 of 359	82.2%	★★★★☆
2024	82.6	58 of 362	84.0%	★★★★☆
2023	63.5	111 of 358	69.0%	★★★☆☆
2022	84.4	47 of 363	87.1%	★★★★☆
2021	74.8	76 of 395	80.8%	★★★★☆
2019	89.2	24 of 355	93.2%	★★★★★
2018	65.7	82 of 254	67.7%	★★★☆☆

Multi-racial

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	79.3	28 of 170	83.5%	★★★★☆
2024	86.2	20 of 161	87.6%	★★★★☆
2023	64.7	47 of 166	71.7%	★★★★☆
2022	89.9	11 of 179	93.9%	★★★★★
2021	84.9	20 of 195	89.7%	★★★★★
2019	80.2	25 of 163	84.7%	★★★★☆
2018	76.2	20 of 91	78.0%	★★★★☆

Special Education

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	53.1	50 of 127	60.6%	★★★☆☆
2024	66.0	25 of 110	77.3%	★★★★☆
2023	48.1	47 of 110	57.3%	★★★☆☆
2022	81.6	15 of 130	88.5%	★★★★☆
2021	60.1	49 of 212	76.9%	★★★★☆
2019	83.4	15 of 128	88.3%	★★★★☆

White

Year	Avg score	Statewide rank	Washington percentile	Rating
2025	95.5	8 of 373	97.9%	★★★★★
2024	96.8	6 of 374	98.4%	★★★★★
2023	67.5	106 of 379	72.0%	★★★★☆
2022	94.9	5 of 390	98.7%	★★★★★
2021	94.4	10 of 413	97.6%	★★★★★
2019	96.7	3 of 382	99.2%	★★★★★
2018	83.2	21 of 222	90.5%	★★★★★

How student groups rank statewide ? (each group's percentile vs the same group at other schools — higher is better; the +/- beside each compares the group with this school's overall percentile)

White (2025)98th percentile+11 vs school

Female (2025)85th percentile~ school

Multi-racial (2025)84th percentile-3 vs school

Male (2025)82nd percentile-5 vs school

Hispanic (2025)79th percentile-8 vs school

Asian (2025)75th percentile-12 vs school

Low Socio Economic Status (2025)69th percentile-18 vs school

English Language Learner (2025)64th percentile-23 vs school

Special Education (2025)61st percentile-26 vs school

African American (2025)42nd percentile-44 vs school

Homeless (2021)20th percentile-61 vs school

By subject vs Washington (2024-2025) ?

Science75%+25 vs state

English Language Arts71%+18 vs state

Math47%+4 vs state

5.0

2 ratings · 2 written reviews

5★2

4★0

3★0

2★0

1★0

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What people are saying

by a student
Wednesday, April 5, 2017

I didn't realize how great this school was until I left. This school is not only excellent for learning, but teaches kids to be active in the community, as well as having a very caring aura. Close Quote

by a student
Tuesday, June 28, 2011

I have received an excellent education at this institution. I have been able to take many AP classes, such as Calculus and Latin. My teachers have been dedicated and intelligent, and I have been encouraged to ask questions and enjoy my learning process. Garfield High School has provided me an intellectual hunger that I will continue to nourish for the rest of my life. Close Quote

Schools Near Garfield High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2025)				Ranking (2024)				WCAS Science (2025)		SBAC English Language Arts (2025)		SBAC Math (2025)		Per Pupil Expenditures (2024)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2025)	Statewide Rank (2025)	State Percentile (2025)	SchoolDigger Rating (2025)	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	Rank Change from Previous Year	WCAS Science 11th Grade	WCAS Science All Grades	SBAC English Language Arts 10th Grade	SBAC English Language Arts All Grades	SBAC Math 10th Grade	SBAC Math All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Garfield High School	Public	9-12	400 23 Ave	Seattle	98122	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-2270	1,507	70	21.5	41.2%	499 (33.1%)	443 (29.4%)	151 (10.0%)	177 (11.7%)	11 (0.7%)	11 (0.7%)	183 (12.1%)	81.8	58^th of 438 public high schools	86.8%		88.2	46^th of 437 public high schools	89.5%	12	74.7	74.7	71.3	71.3	46.7	46.7	$18,761	$738	$18,023
Nova High School	Public	9-12	301 21st Avenue East	Seattle	98122	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-3500	256	18	14.4	33.6%	133 (52.0%)	14 (5.5%)	27 (10.5%)	5 (2.0%)	2 (0.8%)	1 (0.4%)	20 (7.8%)	89.4	37^th of 438 public high schools	91.6%		84.1	56^th of 437 public high schools	87.2%	19	79.3	79.3	79.4	79.4	51.6	51.6	$24,628	$806	$23,821
Interagency Detention School	Public	6-12	1211 E Alder Ms 1-F	Seattle	98122	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 205-9422	47	0		27.7%	9 (19.1%)	26 (55.3%)	11 (23.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (2.1%)								(n/a)							$25,019	$579	$24,441
Seattle World School	Public, Magnet	6-12	1700 East Union St.	Seattle	98122	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	Yes	No	Yes	(206) 252-2200	218	16	13.7	89.4%	6 (2.8%)	36 (16.5%)	152 (69.7%)	23 (10.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)								(n/a)							$27,854	$1,431	$26,423
Summit Public School: Sierra	Public, Charter	9-12	1025 S King St	Seattle	98104	King County	Summit Public School: Sierra	Yes	No	No	Yes	(206) 453-2520	214	14	15.2	38.3%	88 (41.1%)	56 (26.2%)	28 (13.1%)	8 (3.7%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (12.1%)	37.1	280^th of 438 public high schools	36.1%		64.2	130^th of 437 public high schools	70.3%	150	49.0	49.0	51.7	51.7	24.1	24.1	$20,964	$627	$20,337
Franklin High School	Public	9-12	3013 S Mt Baker Bv	Seattle	98144	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-6150	1,277	65	19.6	57.2%	205 (16.1%)	336 (26.3%)	308 (24.1%)	310 (24.3%)	3 (0.2%)	9 (0.7%)	97 (7.6%)	43.7	244^th of 438 public high schools	44.3%		45.8	231^st of 437 public high schools	47.1%	13	37.3	37.3	66.8	66.8	29.0	29.0	$22,081	$746	$21,335
Interagency Programs	Public	6-12	2445 3rd AVE S	Seattle	98134	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-0749	211	35	6.0	68.2%	39 (18.5%)	60 (28.4%)	61 (28.9%)	11 (5.2%)	2 (0.9%)	2 (0.9%)	24 (11.4%)	12.1	403^rd of 438 public high schools	8.0%		7.4	425^th of 437 public high schools	2.7%	22	33.3	33.3	32.3	32.3			$44,768	$3,814	$40,954
Seattle Skills Center	Public, Magnet	9-12	2445 3rd Ave S	Seattle	98124	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	Yes	No	No	(206) 252-0733	0	0			0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()	0 ()								(n/a)							$19,067	$803	$18,264
The Center School	Public	9-12	305 Harrison St	Seattle	98109	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-9850	165	12	13.9	14.5%	96 (58.2%)	3 (1.8%)	17 (10.3%)	1 (0.6%)	1 (0.6%)	1 (0.6%)	14 (8.5%)	79.2	70^th of 438 public high schools	84.0%		93.8	23^rd of 437 public high schools	94.7%	47	95.7	95.7	82.8	82.8	31.8	31.8	$29,206	$741	$28,465
Interagency Open Doors	Public	9-12	3528 S. Ferdinand Street	Seattle	98118	King County	Seattle School District No. 1	No	No	No	No	(206) 252-0010	132	0		50.8%	46 (34.8%)	13 (9.8%)	32 (24.2%)	13 (9.8%)	1 (0.8%)	1 (0.8%)	13 (9.8%)								(n/a)							$13,838	$579	$13,259

Frequently Asked Questions about Garfield High School

What schools feed into Garfield High School?

Garfield High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
Elementary : Leschi Elementary School
Elementary : Lowell Elementary School
Elementary : Madrona K-5 School
Elementary : McGilvra Elementary School
Elementary : Montlake Elementary School
Elementary : Stevens Elementary School
Middle : Edmonds S. Meany Middle School

What district is Garfield High School in?

Seattle School District No. 1

What is the racial makeup of Garfield High School?

Students at Garfield High School are 33% White, 29% African American, 12% Two or more races, 12% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 2% Not Specified.

How many students attend Garfield High School?

In the 2024-25 school year, 1,507 students attended Garfield High School.

Is Garfield High School a good school?

Garfield High School ranks 58^th of 438 Washington high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Rate Garfield High School!

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.