Summary:
Zip code 98225 in Bellingham, Washington, is served by 16 public schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels, primarily within the Bellingham School District, which is ranked above average statewide.
Parents will find a generally strong secondary education system here, with both Bellingham High School and Sehome High School consistently earning high marks and graduation rates well above the state average. At the middle school level, Fairhaven Middle School stands out for its high test scores, particularly in science, while performance at other middle schools like Shuksan Middle School is more modest. Elementary school performance varies, with schools like Columbia Elementary School and Lowell Elementary School performing well above average, while others such as Alderwood Elementary School and Birchwood Elementary School rank significantly lower.
Notably, higher per-student spending does not always correlate with better academic outcomes in this area. Science proficiency is a relative strength across most schools compared to English and math. The area also includes important alternative programs like Options High School, which serve students needing re-engagement but face greater challenges, including higher dropout rates. Overall, the zip code offers quality educational options, especially at the high school level, but with noticeable performance differences between schools serving similar grade levels.
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