Walt Whitman High School is a public high school located in Bethesda, Maryland, United States. It is named after the 19th-century American poet Walt Whitman. The school serves grades 9-12 for the Montgomery County Public Schools system.
Serving 2,042 students in grades 9-12, Walt Whitman High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in Maryland for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 85% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 90% (which is higher than the Maryland state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Maryland state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Maryland state average of 68% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,042 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in MD)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: 85% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: 90% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: 86% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Walt Whitman High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Walt Whitman High School's student population of 2,042 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 118 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,042 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
118 teachers
Year Founded
1962
Colors
Black, White, Columbia blue
School Rankings
Walt Whitman High School ranks within the top 1% of all 1,338 schools in Maryland (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Walt Whitman High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.74. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1 out of 1338 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
85%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
90%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
86%
36%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
15%
7%
Hispanic
13%
23%
Black
5%
33%
White
59%
32%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
94%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
5%
44%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MD Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Viking
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walt Whitman High School's ranking?
Walt Whitman High School is ranked #1 out of 1,338 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in Maryland.
What schools are Walt Whitman High School often compared to?
Walt Whitman High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Walter Johnson High School, Bethesda-chevy Chase High School, Thomas S. Wootton High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
85% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% MD state average), while 90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MD state average).
What is the graduation rate of Walt Whitman High School?
The graduation rate of Walt Whitman High School is 94%, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 86%.
How many students attend Walt Whitman High School?
2,042 students attend Walt Whitman High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Walt Whitman High School students are White, 15% of students are Asian, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walt Whitman High School?
Walt Whitman High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Maryland state average of 14:1.
What grades does Walt Whitman High School offer ?
Walt Whitman High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Walt Whitman High School part of?
Walt Whitman High School is part of Montgomery County School District.
School Reviews
5 3/26/2020
I graduated from Whitman in 2011. I was a punk kid who hated school in general, but even then I can say the best thing about the school is the neighborhood it sits in. Anyone thinking of sending their kids here can rest assured that they will be able to get to and from school on foot with no issues.
Review Walt Whitman 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
