2023 Best High Schools for Athletes in Washington

• Seattle, WA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  90 reviews

Senior: O'Dea High School is a unique experience and is something that I can say is the best thing that's ever happened to me. You get four things which I value most in one high school and that is, great academics, great sports, brotherhood and opportunity. One exceptional part of O'Dea is the athletic programs. If you're from the state of Washington, the number one thing O'Dea is known for is their success in all sports. The coaches not only set up players for success on the field/court, etc., they set them up for life and the next level. I am so grateful to be apart of two athletic programs at the school. Another factor that makes O'Dea excellent is the brotherhood. Since O'Dea is an all boys school, the time that's spent getting to know one another is unmatched. Everyone is viewed as brothers and treats everyone with respect, in the classroom, out of the classroom, or anywhere else. It's an experience that's truly one of a kind and unique and one that I can say I'm proud to been apart of.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 11

• Bellevue School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  204 reviews

Senior: I found Bellevue High to have many strong characteristics such as a strong sports teams, high achieving peers, and engaging teachers. My experience has been an overall pleasant experience. However, I would like to highlight the slow response the school had to a counselor who was not very engaged with her students: se had often provided inaccurate information to some students which costed them a lot of time and money. Eventually, the problem was dealt with and now the school continues to hold its promises of strongly preparing its students for college, sparking interests in students, and just being an overall inclusive school.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 26

• Seattle, WA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.21 out of 5  260 reviews

Parent: My daughter grew from a fourth grader wanting to attend Holy Names Academy because its building looked like Hogwarts, to a rising ninth grader wanting to attend for the all-girls academic excellence, to now a high school senior with a nuanced understanding of an all-girls high school experience. Her confidence and sense of self as a young woman has grown impressively. The faculty and staff transitioned to 100% online during the pandemic without skipping a beat, and bent over backwards to accommodate the students during the many months of online school. Our experience has been wonderful!... Read 260 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 17

• Vancouver School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  416 reviews

Senior: Skyview High School was a high school experience that I could not have imagined. The school has a unique layout comprising of multiple with a few amount of walls, using dividers attached to the ceiling to separate each classroom. However, this layout doesn't detract from the value of the school too much, as its professionally-sponsored auditorium and impressive gymnasium makes it a hotspot for extracurricular activities and athletics to host their events. The academics are varied within a wide spectrum of various levels, allowing any student with any ability of learning to apply quickly and find what is right for them. As someone who had taken accelerated math courses in middle school, the SMT magnet program allowed me to adjust quickly and find advanced classes of my liking. A wide range of AP courses are also offered, and their music and performing arts program also helped me integrate into the school. Skyview is the only school in the county with a field marching band.... Read 416 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 23

• Evergreen Public Schools, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  499 reviews

Senior: Entering Union was fairly frightening as I pass by thousands of new faces along with large buildings surrounding the courtyard. Through Union, I learned a great share of skills from time management, responsibilities and perseverance. My journey of learning these new set of skills also allowed me to meet some amazing people that encouraged me to strive for the best. With Union offering many after school events and clubs, I was able to meet new people and step out of my comfort zone. Union High School also encouraged me to challenge myself academically by giving me opportunities to take Advanced Placement courses. I was quite hesitant taking these courses at first, however, my fellow peers and classmates encouraged and gave me advice. This allowed me to feel much more comfortable to eventually step up to take the courses. As I'm nearing the end of my journey at Union, I'm satisfied with the amazing people I met along with learning important skills I'll continue to use in the future.... Read 499 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 23

• Royal School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  113 reviews

Sophomore: Royal High School is a great place to attend for an overall friendly atmosphere and excellent teachers. The school is relatively small so students really get a chance to know everyone, and everyone has a good group of friends. The teachers are great at helping students succeed in and out of the classroom. But, I think the best part about this school is the sports programs. Royal High School is filled with tons of athletic students and is known for its unstoppable football team. The school highly encourages everyone to play at least one sport during their high school experience. Although the school is great, I do think that it needs the improvement with its resources. If the school had more resources available, I truly feel like the students would have more opportunities to explore new creative outlets and more careers that they would be interested in. Overall though, the school is an 8/10!... Read 113 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 18

• Lynden, WA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  66 reviews

Parent: LC is a school that has children from parents/families of many backgrounds: from city to country, business management to agriculture, contractors and CEOs to refinery workers, electricians and military families; thus, it's a complete mix. The area has more farm background, border patrol, and small business families here. It's a safe place, with many kind people throughout the greater community, and if there's any of the countless positives with a frown attached for some people, it's the heavy emphasis of sports. The school is a perennial state contender in basketball, also football and volleyball in recent years. The teachers love the students, interact with them a lot. Drugs and city life seem far away, but there is an encouragement to understand many cultures, including international. There's a long-term history of students from China and Taiwan attending on exchange programs. COVID mandates have been the school's biggest controversy, with many families focused on liberty and faith.... Read 66 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports —

• Zillah School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: Zillah high school has been a amazing experience for the past 4 years of my life. I have made new friendships that will last a life time. Being in the drama department and choir department definitely helped me build my character. It also helped me put myself out there. Also being class secretary proved the opportunity to talked to more people and make a bond with them!... Read 83 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 21

• Nine Mile Falls School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  93 reviews

Senior: Lakeside has been an interesting experience. Through COVID-19, the pandemic, and much more, Lakeside has treated me quite well. My freshman year there was a lot of support for the incoming students who felt lost. Sophomore year when covid hit, the staff and faculty made sure that we were taken care of and that our grades wouldn’t hurt us because they understand that we were experiencing life and school completely differently than we ever had. My junior year, at attempts of being “normal”, went quite well. Our athletics returned, and although State championships didn’t, our school spirit did. My senior year however has by far been the best. Our staff has shown immense support for getting us onto our next journey in life, helping us get there and celebrating what we’ve done, and where we’ll go. The school spirit in unmatched, and the community has pulled together in the amazing times as well as in our times of grief. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. It’s been fun LHS, #RollEags... Read 93 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 18

• Kent School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  333 reviews

Senior: My time at Kentwood were cut short with COVID, but the few moment spent there were ones that have affected me forever. I am a senior now, and haven't been on the Kentwood campus for academic related activity since January of my freshman year. However, over the past three years I have played varsity volleyball for them, as well as attend other sporting events, and the school spirit is unmatched. Throughout the Kent School District, we are known to have the most school spirit out of the highs chool's, one small fact that I take great pride in as I am a big attendee. Besides school spirit, Kentwood offers a large amount of diversity and culture, not just in nationality and origin, but in personality, style, art, and much more. Many are excited to leave high school, move onto bigger and better things, and although this may be me, I hope bigger and better things have the same attributes of Kentwood High School.... Read 333 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 23

• Pasco School District, WA•

• 8-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  368 reviews

Junior: My overall experience at Chiawana has been amazing! The teachers are spectacular , they are always there to help you. One of my favorite teachers with no doubt be my 9th grade math teacher. Math has always been my weakest subject, I've always been shy to ask questions. But my 9th grade teacher was always there to help me even when I wouldn't raise my hand she somehow just knew. She never gave up on me, I went from failing all her assignments to all A's and b's. I was so proud of myself never knew I could go from F's to B's and A's in math. The students at Chiawana always have a great spirit especially on spirit week and sports! Football games are always my favorite, the energy is dynamic. My first football game was the best, it was the most hyped game of the season because it was our rival team. I am proud to be a Riverhawk!... Read 368 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 24

• Tacoma School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  288 reviews

Sophomore: I love how I feel like they will do anything to help students succeed. I believe I can go to my teachers, knowing that I have someone looking out for me. I'm a student that my teacher knows about, it feels good knowing that my teachers can watch my progress, and embrace it! And just overall Lincoln High School is different in my ways, my schools brings something really special to contribute to the all their the Lincoln family, which makes it so unique.... Read 288 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 23

• Camas School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  461 reviews

Senior: Camas is a mainly white and privileged area, so not much diversity. However, teachers are excellent and sports are very competitive. Lots of resources for students to succeed!... Read 461 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 22

• Tumwater School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.95 out of 5  258 reviews

Senior: Tumwater High school has a good variety of courses available, and strives to help its students succeed. The main area in which the school struggles is a lack of organization within the counseling center and among some of the staff working there, which presented itself in incorrect advisory regarding classes to take. However, this school has an amazing staff overall, and puts in good effort to make students feel welcome and prepare them for the future.... Read 258 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 20

• Bellingham School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  307 reviews

Senior: The majority of Sehome's faculty work really hard to create a inviting atmosphere for any and all students, and have successful programs like the Mariner Mentors, composed of upperclassmen that have been hand selected by the staff to help ensure the inclusivity of the school! It has been a very safe environment within my past three years, no major fights or issues that affect a large group of students by any means, and there is no tolerance for bullying or conflict of any kind. Each classroom varies by the teacher but is always a welcoming environment to ask questions, make mistakes, and share and discuss opinions. Everyone has a voice if they choose, or are prodded, to use it!... Read 307 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 24

• Fife School District, WA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  224 reviews

Alum: Fife was an amazing community. I moved to the Fife community when I was in 5th grade. At this point, kids have made friends since kindergarten. However, the community welcomed me with open arms! I made lasting friends quickly and a great school spirit. The only thing I would change is the acceptance of the LGBTQA+ community. It was a bit harder to be out but my friends were there to support.... Read 224 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 20

• Mead School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  317 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my time at Mt. Spokane. Overall I have experience a positive, welcoming environment, where the staff genuinely wants you to succeed and will help you get where you need to be. The sports programs and the games are always a highlight, and the events the school puts on could never be outdone. In terms of improvements, the food is not anything special, but I understand it likely could not be changed. Mt. Spokane seems to support the arts, however I would like to see more recognition and funding for the music and performing arts programs. All in all, despite its flaws, Mt. Spokane high school really is a decent school based on my experience, and I hope that stays consistent in the future. Go Wildcats!... Read 317 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 19

• Spokane, WA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  136 reviews

Senior: Gonzaga Prep is a great diverse school that helps prepare high schoolers for college. Gonzaga Prep strives to push all kids to their highest abilities, whether that is in a class, a club, or any of the other activities the school has to offer. Prep has a great staff and faculty, with all of the teachers being well educated and executing the learning plan in a creative and engaging way. The school is very good with keeping everyone involved in some way, and providing for everyone to have equal opportunities wherever that may be. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants help staying on track to graduate and be successful in the future, as well as those who enjoy or appreciate the religious aspect of the school. Everything at Prep is centered around Jesuit teaching, and we incorporate religion into our everyday lifestyle at Prep.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 16

• Puyallup School District, WA•

• 10-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  407 reviews

Alum: Being a student-athlete at Puyallup High School was a great experience. There are several opportunities for students to get involved. PHS offers several great options of clubs, athletic programs, and programs to explore your career interests. While there are plenty of well-run courses, many peers of mine gave great accolades to all of the music, business, and medical-based classes. Teachers were kind, supportive, and helped greatly in my preparation for college. I always felt safe and strong sense of belonging and I personally really enjoyed the that the hallways were always bright and buzzing! Evaluating PHS from my new perspective of being in college, I think it has made me well-rounded and a step ahead compared to many other incoming freshmen I've met. I would recommend Puyallup High School to anyone considering it!... Read 407 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 22

• West Valley School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: Great school with very good teachers. Has excellent Math and English faculty. Great school for college hopefuls! West Valley HS has a running start opportunity allowing juniors and seniors to take courses at community college or a University for dual credit that can be used towards their high school graduation requirements and college credit. Students can even graduate with a high school diploma and an associate of art college degree, something that I will be doing soon! This high school has a lot of sports opportunities and is pretty competitive. Clubs and activities are many. There are many ways to get involved at WVHS with a lot of extracurricular opportunities to beef up those college applications! For seniors like me, there are many college support opportunities. Help for college applications and scholarships are offered frequently during the fall of senior year.... Read 168 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 18

• Lynden School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  147 reviews

Senior: I have loved my time at Lynden High School! Lynden is very athletic driven town so the activities are very competitive but it does create a fun environment! The teachers are very supportive if you need help, and for the most part they do a good job at teaching students.... Read 147 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 19

• Sammamish, WA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  139 reviews

Freshman: Eastside Catholic is a very welcoming school. I found the teachers very helpful, funny and kind. I understood concepts well and I enjoyed every day at school! The course selection is amazing and includes an array of subjects. I like the college readiness classes such as the UWHS classes. I found many classmates who were sweet and accepting of everyone. I liked Health class as it taught us many helpful strategies to tackle addiction, mental health, and improve overall wellbeing. I liked the fact that there were posters in the bathroom and on the walls which gave students information about mental health and how to seek help. I love school assemblies because they are filled with school spirit and fun games. I greatly appreciate the service opportunities given by Eastside Catholic because it really helps me find volunteer activities that I enjoy and love doing. I also appreciate how easy it is to talk to counselors and the staff at Student Services for whatever questions I might have.... Read 139 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 17

• Central Valley School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  481 reviews

Junior: What I LOVE about Central Valley High School is the commitment the teachers have to their students. They help them out whenever is needed, and are kind and respectful. Students are listened to and there are rarely any trouble-making going on. Our counselors are very helpful and appreciative of their assigned kids. What I would like to see change is the involvement in the school--more kids need to be involved and encouraged to. Have more opinions be heard, AKA, don't do the same themes every year. Try something new! Have more kids engaged would help the community be more involved and it brings the world together.... Read 481 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 18

• Mercer Island School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  241 reviews

Senior: Extracurricular offerings, including sports, music, and clubs, are great! Would like to see more diversity overall. STEM and science courses aren't as strong as English and history.... Read 241 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 27

• North Kitsap School District, WA•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.4 out of 5  238 reviews

Parent: North Kitsap High School has teachers that are willing to support and encourage the students- even into college. If given the opportunity, the administration will do everything in the power to provide the resources necessary to help the students. Sports programs are great!... Read 238 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Total number of sports 13