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Seattle Public Schools

Garfield High School

#11 in Best Public High Schools in Washington
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Seattle, WA
  • 458 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Diversity
      A
    3. Teachers
      A-
    4. College Prep
      A+
    5. Clubs & Activities
      C
    6. Health & Safety
      C+
    7. Administration
      C
    8. Sports
      A
    9. Food
      C-
    10. Resources & Facilities
      D+
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    Garfield High School is a top rated, public school located in Seattle, WA. It has 1,761 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1. According to state test scores, 86% of students are at least proficient in math and 96% in reading.

    Garfield High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    96%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    86%
    Average Graduation Rate
    88%
    Average SAT
    1290
    570 responses
    Average ACT
    30
    196 responses
    AP Enrollment
    48%
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    Living in the Area
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      C-
    2. Good for Families
      A
    3. Housing
      C
    Median Household Income
    $60,080
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $1,201
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $436,633
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    C+
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    87%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.38 responses
    Poll
    76%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.38 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 122 responses
    Report
    • Purple and White Day
      29%
    • True Dawgs Cheer
      16%
    • Homecoming
      13%
    • Y-E-L-L
      12%
    • Dramatic paws
      7%
    • Basketball games
      7%
    • Post
      7%

    Students

    Diversity
    A
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,761
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    34%
    83%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.47 responses
    77%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.47 responses
    81%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.47 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    23:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $74,174
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    15.4%
    58%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.64 responses
    78%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.64 responses
    56%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.64 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    C
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Average
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Average
    Expenses Per Student
    $14,678/ year
    National
    $12,239
    89%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.74 responses
    41%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.74 responses
    82%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.74 responses
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    Garfield High School Reviews

    458 reviews
    All Categories
    I am a senior at Garfield and I have really enjoyed the past four years here. While it is a rigorous academic experience if you take lots of AP classes, it is also a lot of fun if you get involved and do activities. The school likes to advertise its diversity and togetherness, but in reality the social situation is still pretty segregated. However, the school puts in a lot of effort to try and unify its student body. There is a big push in the school culture to take lots of hard AP classes (3 or 4 or even 5-6) but I find this to be somewhat ridiculous. My advice to freshmen/transfer students would be to dive into the different clubs/activities/athletics that the school has to offer, because they have many resources. From personal experience, the theater and music programs are underfunded but great, and the sports programs are held in high regard. If you want a well-rounded high school education, look no further.
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    I think that Garfield has really some very good teachers and good academics in general (honors for all, AP classes, etc) as well as an excellent theater and choir program, but, like almost any school, there are some bad teachers and they had to let go of most of the younger teachers who are people of color and/ or queer due to budget cuts. The councilor for students doing running start (as of 2019) sold stocks without a license and was convicted, but is still working here, but if you talk to him he's not that scary eventhough he messed up most of his students schedules. The community is okay if you find your people, but it can be clicky and has some weird party culture. Garfield also has a Teen Health Center (THC) that provides free birth control and vaccines. The principal has recently enacted a detention-like program called enrichment and if you are late to your class after lunch or go out any door besides the front doors you can get it after school or on Saturdays.
    Garfield High School is a great school-- the top-notch academics AND athletics make Garfield a highly desired secondary school to enroll in. The music program (orchestra and jazz bands) are very well known for their prestige and excellence, and a wide array of clubs/activities exist at this school. Garfield is located in Seattle's Central District, which makes it a great central location for students from all over the city. The school offers several college planning and resource programs that are available to students who need it the most, which is a major plus. Other resources include the Teen Health Center, which also serves the community. Furthermore, Garfield has very good access to local restaurants and stores, including Ezells, Med Mix, Seattle Fish Guys, and much more. The school is right next to Medgar Evers Pool as well.