Serving 1,681 students in grades 9-12, Ballard High School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 71% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 50%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 92% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 61%).
The student:teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the Washington state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,681 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 28%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 20% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10%
- Math Proficiency: 71% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 92% (Top 20%)
- 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 1,681 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 77 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,681 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
77 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Ballard High School ranks within the top 10% of all 2,052 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 0.68. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#107 out of 2052 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)71%
50%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(18-19)92%
61%
Student : Teacher Ratio
22:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
5%
9%
Hispanic
8%
25%
Black
3%
5%
White
72%
50%
Hawaiian
1%
1%
Two or more races
10%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(18-19)91%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
6%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: 2021-2022 (latest school year available) National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ballard High School's ranking?
Ballard High School is ranked #107 out of 2,052 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% 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 50% WA state average), while 92% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 61% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Ballard High School?
The graduation rate of Ballard High School is 91%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Ballard High School?
1,681 students attend Ballard High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Ballard High School students are White, 10% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Ballard High School?
Ballard High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Ballard High School offer ?
Ballard High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Ballard High School part of?
Ballard High School is part of Seattle School District No. 1.
School Reviews
4 1/12/2022
Wow! Shocked by the low scores given. My child is in his senior year and his overall experience has been great. He did XC and Track - the team while not the best in the district does quite well, sending some set of students to the state each year. And, team members are so supportive of each other. The performing arts program is great, and he has plenty of AP classes to choose from. When he had questions for the counselor, he never had an issue getting her time and the answers he was looking for. the only reason I gave four and not five stars are there are some issues with drugs and sexual assault, but I have no way to measure whether this is different from other HS or is the unfortunate norm of the day.
1 3/12/2020
Ballard High school has some strong programs, but their sports are really bad, which leads to low self esteem for the kids around town / state about their school. The staff is overwhelmed, the counselor told me point blank She has more kids with issues than She can address. She points blank said unless it's a life or death crises that day she won't even try to pretend she can help, don't even pretend there is a follow up she is so overwhelmed every day. She literally said that. Kids can easily skip school without teacher involvement or even noticing. Pot and alcohol are pervasive. The kids say the school is so crowded in between classes is everyone smashed against one another in the halls. The school is way over capacity and no plans or room to add teachers. The good news is this school has a few decent programs but are always in high demand unfortunately so your child will not be getting into them unless you know how to bribe someone's favor that decides the kids outcome of the schedule they request. I would not recommend schooling your kids in Seattle is kind a Removed show honestly regret not moving. The principal tries and cares but is not able to change the school systems faults. Public schools here had to actually suit the state to try to get them to fund Seattle schools. That's what the washington state thinks about Seattle kids and parents.
1 7/1/2019
Very unsafe place to be in for kids and employees. Hostile working and learning environment with unprofessional teachers and poor administrators. BH has two severe criminal cases in 2018. We will stay away from this bad place. There are many other school districts we would recommend anyone to enroll their kids rather than dealing with Seattle Public Schools.
3 5/9/2017
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.
2 12/20/2010
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.
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