James A. Garfield High School is a public high school in the Seattle Public Schools district of Seattle, Washington. It is named after James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.
Serving 1,641 students in grades 9-12, Garfield High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Washington for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 77% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 52% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,641 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 30% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 77% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Garfield High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Garfield High School's student population of 1,641 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has declined by 16% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,641 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Year Founded
1920
Colors
White, Purple
School Rankings
Garfield High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Garfield High School is 0.78, which is more 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
#284 out of 2088 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
16:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
12%
9%
Hispanic
11%
26%
Black
27%
5%
White
34%
48%
Hawaiian
2%
2%
Two or more races
13%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
39%
49%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garfield High School's ranking?
Garfield High School is ranked #284 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Garfield High School often compared to?
Garfield High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cleveland High School Stem by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 77% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Garfield High School?
The graduation rate of Garfield High School is 91%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Garfield High School?
1,641 students attend Garfield High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Garfield High School students are White, 27% of students are Black, 13% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Asian, 11% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Garfield High School?
Garfield High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 16:1.
What grades does Garfield High School offer ?
Garfield High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Garfield High School part of?
Garfield High School is part of Seattle School District No. 1.
In what neighborhood is Garfield High School located?
Garfield High School is located in the Central District neighborhood of Seattle, WA. There are 5 other public schools located in Central District.
School Reviews
Review Garfield High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.
