Serving 396 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Northern Heights Elementary School ranks in the top 50% 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 50-54% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 50-54% (which is approximately equal to the Washington state average of 53%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 396 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 36%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in WA
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Northern Heights Elementary School serves the northern part of Bellingham, WA, covering an area of approximately 6.3 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 2.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Northern Heights Elementary School's student population of 396 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
396 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Northern Heights Elementary School provides a balanced, engaging, and comprehensive education that prepares all students for success as global citizens.
School Rankings
Northern Heights Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northern Heights Elementary School is 0.55, which is less 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
#663 out of 2088 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
41%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
53%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
17:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
6%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
27%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
White
64%
47%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
2%
Two or more races
14%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)38.1%
34.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
9%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 23-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northern Heights Elementary School's ranking?
Northern Heights Elementary School is ranked #663 out of 2,088 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Washington.
What schools are Northern Heights Elementary School often compared to?
Northern Heights Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Parkview Elementary School, Silver Beach Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% WA state average), while 50-54% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 53% WA state average).
How many students attend Northern Heights Elementary School?
396 students attend Northern Heights Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
64% of Northern Heights Elementary School students are White, 15% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northern Heights Elementary School?
Northern Heights Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the Washington state average of 17:1.
What grades does Northern Heights Elementary School offer ?
Northern Heights Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Northern Heights Elementary School part of?
Northern Heights Elementary School is part of Bellingham School District.
In what neighborhood is Northern Heights Elementary School located?
Northern Heights Elementary School is located in the Barkley neighborhood of Bellingham, WA. There are 2 other public schools located in Barkley.
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