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 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 57% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 40%). 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 Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,641 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 10% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 57% (Top 20%)
- 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
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
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.
School Mascot
Bulldog
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
School Colors
White, Purple
School Rankings
Garfield High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,113 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
#240 out of 2113 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
40%
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
93%
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
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garfield High School's ranking?
Garfield High School is ranked #240 out of 2,113 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?
57% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% 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 93%, 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

Is Your Public School Understaffed? Why Schools are Instituting Hiring Freezes
Explore the trend of hiring freezes in public schools and their impact on education. Learn why schools are implementing these measures and what it means for students and staff.

43 Fantastic ESL Resources for Students
We've put together this ESL resource guide to help students, from teens to adults, get the help they need to achieve their goals with learning English

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.