Northern Heights Elementary School

Summary:

Northern Heights Elementary School is a public elementary school in Bellingham, Washington, serving around 410 students in grades PK-5 and part of the Bellingham School District.

Northern Heights has a more diverse student population compared to many nearby schools, with 63.17% White students, 13.9% Hispanic students, 6.34% Asian students, and 15.12% students of two or more races. Academically, the school has shown mixed performance, with 49.51% of students proficient or better in SBAC/English Language Arts, lower than the district and state averages, but 46.12% proficient or better in SBAC/Math, higher than the averages. The school also has a relatively high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 27.35% to 30.98% over the past few years, suggesting a higher proportion of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

Compared to nearby schools like Columbia Elementary, Birchwood Elementary, and Silver Beach Elementary, Northern Heights has seen its statewide ranking fluctuate over the years, indicating inconsistent performance. However, the school stands out in science performance, with 68.85% of students proficient or better in the WCAS/Science assessment, significantly higher than the district and state averages. By addressing the unique needs of its diverse student population and learning from the best practices of higher-performing schools, Northern Heights can work to provide a more equitable and high-quality education for all its students.


Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

 4000 Magrath Rd
       Bellingham, WA  98226-1729


(360) 647-6820

District: Bellingham School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
511th of 1,168 Washington Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $19,796 Help


Students who attend Northern Heights Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:    Shuksan Middle School
High:    Squalicum High School

Student/teacher ratio:  15.5 Help
Number of students:  410

Racial breakdown:

White:
63.2%
Two or more races:
15.1%
Hispanic:
13.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  31% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Northern Heights Elementary School ranks better than 56.3% of elementary schools in Washington. It also ranks 7th among 14 ranked elementary schools in the Bellingham School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 53.68. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Northern Heights Elementary School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (63.2%), two or more races (15.1%), Hispanic (13.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 31% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Northern Heights Elementary School is 15.5. 9 elementary schools in the Bellingham School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Northern Heights Elementary School employs 26.3 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Northern Heights Elementary School is $19,796. 9 elementary schools in the Bellingham School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Northern Heights Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Northern Heights Elementary School 511th of 1168 Washington public elementary schools. (See Northern Heights Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
White students:


Bellingham School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Bellingham School District 86th of 247 Washington school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Northern Heights Elementary School?

Rank History for Northern Heights Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 52.43 496th 1026 51.7%
2005 46.61 576th 1031 44.1%
2006 46.83 589th 1051 44.0%
2007 62.14 403rd 1069 62.3%
2008 65.56 356th 1067 66.6%
2009 40.47 690th 1072 35.6%
2010 41.89 673rd 1088 38.1%
2011 40.19 694th 1092 36.4%
2012 52.08 563rd 1097 48.7%
2013 54.93 529th 1106 52.2%
2015 60.93 392nd 1067 63.3%
2016 51.62 515th 1053 51.1%
2017 42.54 620th 1056 41.3%
2018 40.15 635th 1054 39.8%
2019 30.21 831st 1130 26.5%
2021 41.22 610th 1107 44.9%
2022 50.20 557th 1169 52.4%
2023 62.31 404th 1169 65.4%
2024 53.68 511th 1168 56.3%
See the entire list of Washington Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 68.26 57th 194 70.6%
2024 25.30 158th 188 16.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 64.07 157th 637 75.4%
2019 20.08 511th 566 9.7%
2022 71.10 85th 478 82.2%
2023 50.65 138th 308 55.2%
2024 29.21 259th 339 23.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 40.04 532nd 835 36.3%
2019 18.90 884th 979 9.7%
2021 57.13 289th 854 66.2%
2022 65.11 274th 1019 73.1%
2023 54.81 423rd 1013 58.2%
2024 41.91 620th 1024 39.5%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 44.05 590th 1004 41.2%
2019 34.35 748th 1068 30.0%
2021 32.84 654th 1008 35.1%
2022 55.78 457th 1100 58.5%
2023 55.48 454th 1094 58.5%
2024 45.99 568th 1093 48.0%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 37.92 638th 999 36.1%
2019 30.69 775th 1075 27.9%
2021 43.69 543rd 1025 47.0%
2022 45.42 570th 1113 48.8%
2023 63.46 368th 1099 66.5%
2024 59.21 425th 1099 61.3%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 46.81 274th 540 49.3%
2019 12.78 668th 697 4.2%
2022 42.54 376th 694 45.8%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Northern Heights Elementary School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools WA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 41.07 515th 833 38.2%
2019 25.49 835th 1027 18.7%
2021 42.54 540th 943 42.7%
2022 49.08 520th 1031 49.6%
2023 63.74 355th 1011 64.9%
2024 57.41 418th 1009 58.6%
See the entire list of Best Washington Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Washington Office of Superindentent of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Northern Heights Elementary School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

0%

0%

0%

0%

  

by a parent
Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Open Quote I cannot understand why NH gets such poor reviews. We have been so impressed with them so far. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Northern Heights Elementary School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
2002 311 8 36 26 11 n/a n/a 0 392
2003 311 8 36 26 11 n/a n/a 0 392
2004 305 5 39 24 7 n/a n/a 0 380
2005 328 8 42 29 6 n/a n/a 8 421
2006 321 12 44 41 8 n/a n/a 27 453
2007 320 9 45 46 7 n/a n/a 38 465
2008 281 5 54 46 5 n/a n/a 38 429
2009 293 16 52 42 7 n/a n/a 49 459
2010 283 22 64 63 11 n/a n/a 0 443
2011 286 23 38 76 6 3 0 0 432
2012 297 28 46 60 7 0 0 0 438
2013 282 8 36 75 4 0 40 0 445
2014 304 5 36 76 6 1 43 0 471
2015 287 9 38 58 5 1 41 0 439
2016 252 12 33 51 4 2 45 0 399
2017 227 15 32 53 4 3 42 0 376
2018 251 16 28 73 5 3 49 0 425
2019 243 10 22 68 4 4 55 0 406
2020 230 6 21 60 7 4 61 1 390
2021 213 4 19 55 10 2 55 1 359
2022 209 3 23 56 6 1 63 1 362
2023 259 1 26 57 2 1 62 2 410

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Northern Heights Elementary School

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 392 18.5 21.2 31.6
2003 392 18.5 21.2 31.6
2004 380 18.0 21.1 28.4
2005 421 18.5 22.8 26.9
2006 453 20.5 22.1 35.7
2007 465 21.5 21.6 36.3
2008 429 21.5 20.0 34.8
2009 459 21.5 21.3 42.2
2010 443 19.5 22.7 35.7
2011 432 19.9 21.7 26.9
2012 438 20.9 20.9 38.8
2013 445 21.8 20.3 38.2
2014 471 n/a n/a 36.7
2015 439 26.0 16.8 34.9
2016 399 23.0 17.3 31.1
2017 376 23.7 15.8 32.2
2018 425 24.1 17.5 36.9
2019 406 24.3 16.7 33.5
2020 390 24.6 15.8 32.6
2021 359 23.7 15.1 29.2
2022 362 22.5 16.0 27.3
2023 410 26.3 15.5 31

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Northern Heights Elementary School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
2002 392 18.5 21.2 31.6
2003 392 18.5 21.2 31.6
2004 380 18.0 21.1 28.4
2005 421 18.5 22.8 26.9
2006 453 20.5 22.1 35.7
2007 465 21.5 21.6 36.3
2008 429 21.5 20.0 34.8
2009 459 21.5 21.3 42.2
2010 443 19.5 22.7 35.7
2011 432 19.9 21.7 26.9
2012 438 20.9 20.9 38.8
2013 445 21.8 20.3 38.2
2014 471 n/a n/a 36.7
2015 439 26.0 16.8 34.9
2016 399 23.0 17.3 31.1
2017 376 23.7 15.8 32.2
2018 425 24.1 17.5 36.9
2019 406 24.3 16.7 33.5
2020 390 24.6 15.8 32.6
2021 359 23.7 15.1 29.2
2022 362 22.5 16.0 27.3
2023 410 26.3 15.5 31

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Kindergarten Immunization Rates

Northern Heights Elementary School

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YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionConditionalPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussisMeaslesMumpsRubellaTetanus
201698.2%0.0%0.0%1.8%98.2%100.0%98.2%98.2%100.0%100.0%
201790.0%0.0%0.0%4.0%6.0%92.0%92.0%98.0%90.0%92.0%92.0%
201990.7%0.0%0.0%3.7%5.6%92.6%94.4%94.4%92.6%92.6%94.4%
202086.7%1.7%1.7%3.3%1.7%88.3%90.0%93.3%88.3%90.0%88.3%88.3%88.3%90.0%
202186.3%1.4%0.0%1.4%2.7%91.8%91.8%95.9%89.0%91.8%93.2%93.2%93.2%91.8%
202287.7%0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%89.5%91.2%94.7%89.5%91.2%89.5%89.5%89.5%91.2%
202387.8%0.0%0.0%0.0%2.4%89.0%87.8%97.6%91.5%87.8%91.5%91.5%91.5%87.8%
202488.5%2.6%1.3%1.3%3.9%88.5%91.0%92.3%89.7%91.0%93.6%93.6%93.6%91.0%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health

Immunization Rates (Entire school)

Northern Heights Elementary School

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Compare
YearCompletely ImmunizedReligious ExemptionMedical ExemptionPersonal ExemptionPolioDiphtheriaHepatitis BVaricellaMMRPertussis
201994.1%0.0%0.0%5.1%96.1%96.9%96.4%95.9%96.4%96.7%

Data source: Washington State Department of Health
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Northern Heights Elementary School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $623 (4.2%) $14,307 (95.8%) $14,930
2020 $295 (2.8%) $10,275 (97.2%) $10,569
2021 $418 (2.2%) $19,005 (97.8%) $19,423
2022 $1,051 (5.3%) $18,745 (94.7%) $19,796

Data source: Washington Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Northern Heights Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 831st of 1130 Elementary schoolsRanks 404th of 1169 Elementary schools
 39%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Northern Heights Elementary School)43.159.4
 16.4%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)54.147.8
 6.3%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Washington)56.348.9
 7.4%
3rd Grade Math (Northern Heights Elementary School)47.260.3
 13.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Bellingham School District)5147.9
 3.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Washington)5951.6
 7.4%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Northern Heights Elementary School)5075.8
 25.8%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)5251.4
 0.6%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)57.750.1
 7.6%
4th Grade Math (Northern Heights Elementary School)46.868.9
 22.1%
   4th Grade Math (Bellingham School District)45.348.6
 3.3%
   4th Grade Math (Washington)54.949.4
 5.5%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Northern Heights Elementary School)5042.6
 7.4%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)63.452.3
 11.2%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Washington)61.353.8
 7.6%
5th Grade Math (Northern Heights Elementary School)31.231.2
 0%
   5th Grade Math (Bellingham School District)43.238.8
 4.4%
   5th Grade Math (Washington)49.142
 7.1%
5th Grade Science (Northern Heights Elementary School)50.754.1
 3.4%
   5th Grade Science (Bellingham School District)59.258.3
 0.9%
   5th Grade Science (Washington)54.152.3
 1.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Northern Heights Elementary School)47.659.4
 11.8%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Bellingham School District)63.755.8
 7.9%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Washington)6152.9
 8.1%
All Grades Math (Northern Heights Elementary School)41.253.7
 12.5%
   All Grades Math (Bellingham School District)46.945
 1.9%
   All Grades Math (Washington)50.141
 9%
All Grades Science (Northern Heights Elementary School)50.754.1
 3.4%
   All Grades Science (Bellingham School District)60.459.2
 1.2%
   All Grades Science (Washington)52.748.8
 4%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students406410
 1%
African American101
 90%
American Indian42
 50%
Asian2226
 18.2%
Hispanic6857
 16.2%
Pacific Islander41
 75%
White243259
 6.6%
Two or More Races5562
 12.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients33.5%31%
 2.5%


Schools Near Northern Heights Elementary School









Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Heights Elementary School

Students at Northern Heights Elementary School are 63% White, 15% Two or more races, 14% Hispanic, 6% Asian.

Students who attend Northern Heights Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Shuksan Middle School
High : Squalicum High School

In the 2022-23 school year, 410 students attended Northern Heights Elementary School.

Northern Heights Elementary School ranks 511th of 1168 Washington elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 3 stars out of 5.


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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.





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