Are There Good Schools in Bellingham? (Here’s the Honest Answer)

When families start talking about moving to Bellingham, the first things they usually fall in love with are the views, the bay, the mountains, and the trails that seem to lead everywhere.

Then comes the next question:
“But what about the schools?”

Totally fair. If you’re raising kids or planning to, the school system is a big piece of the puzzle. And here’s the short answer: yes, Bellingham has some really good options for both public and private. The long answer? Let’s get into it...

The Bellingham School District: More Than Just Test Scores

One of the things I love about this community is how seriously it takes education, and not just the academic kind. The district’s entire philosophy is built around something called The Bellingham Promise, which basically says every kid deserves to be well-prepared for life and to give back to their community.

It’s not just a mission statement on a wall. You feel it in how the district invests in the arts, outdoor education, mental health, and real-world learning opportunities.

Academics That Hold Up

On the numbers side, Bellingham schools consistently perform above the state average in reading, math, and science. Graduation rates hover around 90%, and the district has strong college readiness programs, from Advanced Placement (AP) to International Baccalaureate (IB) to dual-credit options through Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University.

Students here aren’t just learning facts — they’re building real skills that carry forward.

Innovation and Variety

Bellingham’s schools are known for giving students different ways to learn.

• IB Program at Bellingham High — ideal for students who want a global, college-prep experience.

• CTE (Career & Technical Education) — for hands-on learners who want to explore trades, design, or tech early.

• Outdoor Education — because honestly, when you live between the mountains and the ocean, nature is a classroom.

How Bellingham Schools Compare

Stack Bellingham up against other Washington districts, and it lands in the top 10–15% statewide. But what really stands out is the community support behind the numbers. Parents show up, teachers stay involved, and administrators actually listen.

If you’re coming from a big metro area, you’ll probably notice something refreshing here: the district feels more personal. You’re not just another family in the system; you’re part of the neighborhood. 

Private & Alternative Schools

If private or independent education is more your style, Bellingham’s got some excellent options, each with its own personality:

• Franklin Academy – A college-prep program focused on academics, leadership, and community service.

• Whatcom Hills Waldorf School – Holistic, arts-integrated learning that emphasizes creativity and personal growth.

• Bellingham Christian School – A faith-based environment focused on both academic excellence and spiritual development.

• Cedar Tree Montessori – Hands-on, child-led education with a peaceful and nurturing setting. 

A lot of families blend paths, maybe starting in a private or Montessori school, then moving into the public district for middle or high school once programs expand. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here, and that’s kind of the beauty of it.

Why Families Love Raising Kids Here

Here’s the thing... Education isn’t just what happens inside the classroom. It’s the walk to school through tree-lined streets, the teachers you bump into at the farmers market, the weekend soccer games, the art walks, the sense that everyone’s part of something bigger.

Bellingham has that in spades. It’s big enough to have opportunity, but small enough to still feel connected. 

And when your kids do graduate? They don’t have to go far for higher education if they don't want to — Western Washington University is right here in town, surrounded by all the inspiration that got them started in the first place.

The Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about making a move and schools are high on your list, Bellingham checks that box. The public schools are strong, the private schools are diverse, and the community truly values learning, in every sense of the word. 

It’s one of the reasons families fall in love with this place and end up staying longer than they planned.

So yes, the short answer stands: Bellingham has great options for education.
The long answer? Come check it out for yourself!