Top 10 Public High Schools in Washington

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Washington is Tesla STEM High School in Redmond (Lake Washington School District), a selective STEM magnet where roughly 96% of students score proficient on state math assessments and nearly every graduate pursues a four-year college.

The Best Value pick is Newport High School in Bellevue, a comprehensive neighborhood school that delivers near-magnet outcomes — a deep IB program and a 96% graduation rate — with no admissions lottery and no tuition, making it the strongest free public option for most Eastside families.

This list is built for Washington families and students weighing where to enroll across the Seattle metro, the Eastside, and beyond, balancing rigor, college outcomes, teaching resources, safety, and fit. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), U.S.

News, Niche, and GreatSchools.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against what Washington families consistently say matters when choosing a high school, leaning on published data from OSPI, U.S. News & World Report, Niche, GreatSchools, the College Board, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The weighting:

• Academic performance — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes — 20%
• Value and cost (free-public access and equity) — 15%
• Teachers and resources — 15%
• Environment and safety — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit — 10%

A school that posts elite test scores but offers a thin slate of programs, or one that draws a privileged lottery pool while neighboring schools struggle, slides down the order. The winners balance all six.

1. Tesla STEM High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public Magnet (STEM choice school) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Self-driven students aiming at engineering, science, and computing

Located in Redmond within the Lake Washington School District in King County, Tesla STEM enrolls roughly 640 students in grades 9–12 and admits by lottery rather than test score, keeping access open across the district. State assessment results are among the strongest in Washington, with about 96% math proficiency and 94% reading proficiency.

The school runs a problem-based curriculum, extensive AP offerings in calculus, physics, computer science, and biology, plus capstone research partnerships with nearby tech employers. The graduation rate sits near 99%, the student-teacher ratio is about 19:1, and the overwhelming majority of graduates matriculate to four-year universities, including heavy placement into the University of Washington and out-of-state STEM programs.

Pros:

• Roughly 96% math proficiency, among the highest statewide
• Lottery admission keeps access equitable across the district
• Deep AP and authentic industry research partnerships
• Graduation rate near 99% with strong four-year college matriculation

Cons:

• Lottery means enrollment is not guaranteed
• Intense STEM focus suits motivated students more than undecided ones

Verdict: Tesla STEM wins on balance — elite academics, real college outcomes, and open lottery access with no tuition.

2. Newport High School 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families who want magnet-level rigor without a lottery

In Bellevue (Bellevue School District), Newport High School enrolls about 1,650 students and pairs a full comprehensive program with a respected International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma pathway alongside numerous AP courses. State proficiency rates run high — roughly 80% in math and 85% in reading — and the graduation rate sits near 96%.

With a student-teacher ratio around 22:1, a strong slate of athletics, robotics, and arts, and consistent placement into the University of Washington, Washington State, and selective out-of-state schools, Newport delivers near-magnet outcomes to any family inside its attendance boundary.

As a neighborhood school with no admissions screen, it is the best outcomes-per-zero-dollars option on this list.

Pros:

• Full IB Diploma program plus extensive AP catalog
• No lottery or test — open to all in-boundary families
• Graduation rate near 96% with strong UW placement
• Broad athletics, robotics, and arts offerings

Cons:

• Large enrollment can feel less personal than a magnet
• Housing costs inside the boundary are high

Verdict: Newport is the value champion — IB-grade rigor and college outcomes with free, lottery-free access.

3. International School

Type: Public Magnet (choice, grades 6–12) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students who want a small, IB-focused community

The International School in Bellevue is a small choice school of roughly 750 students across grades 6–12, built around the IB Middle Years and Diploma programs. Its intimate size produces a tight community and a student-teacher ratio near 20:1, while state results stay strong with math and reading proficiency frequently above 80%.

The graduation rate runs near 98%, and the global-curriculum focus, world-language depth, and seminar-style classes appeal to students who thrive in discussion-driven settings. Graduates land consistently at the University of Washington and selective liberal-arts and research universities nationwide.

Pros:

• Full IB Middle Years and Diploma continuum
• Small school with a close, supportive community
• Graduation rate near 98% with strong college placement
• Strong world-language and humanities depth

Cons:

• Choice enrollment can be competitive to enter
• Limited large-team athletics compared with comprehensive schools

Verdict: A standout for IB-minded students who want a small, rigorous, discussion-driven environment.

4. Interlake High School

Type: Public (comprehensive with IB magnet strand) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: High achievers wanting an in-district gifted/IB track

Also in Bellevue, Interlake High School enrolls about 1,500 students and houses the district's Gifted (IBX) accelerated IB pathway, letting top students complete the IB Diploma a year early. State proficiency rates are strong — roughly 78% math and 83% reading — and the graduation rate sits near 95%.

With a student-teacher ratio around 23:1, a powerhouse academic-team and debate culture, and deep AP and IB offerings, Interlake is a magnet for the Eastside's most driven students. Matriculation skews heavily toward four-year universities, with frequent placement into UW, Stanford-tier schools, and engineering programs.

Pros:

• Accelerated IBX pathway for advanced students
• Strong math and science competition culture
• Graduation rate near 95% with elite college placement
• Both AP and IB tracks under one roof

Cons:

• IBX track is academically demanding and selective
• Large size and rigor can pressure some students

Verdict: Ideal for ambitious students who want acceleration — the IBX track is a genuine differentiator.

5. Skyline High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting top academics plus a full activities slate

Skyline High School in Sammamish (Issaquah School District) enrolls roughly 2,000 students and consistently ranks among Washington's best comprehensive schools. State results are strong — about 75% math and 84% reading proficiency — with a graduation rate near 95% and an extensive AP catalog spanning the sciences, humanities, and computer science.

With a student-teacher ratio around 24:1, championship-caliber athletics, robotics, and performing arts, Skyline offers the full big-school experience without sacrificing academics. Graduates head in large numbers to UW, Washington State, and selective national universities.

Pros:

• Broad AP catalog across every department
• Championship athletics and strong performing arts
• Graduation rate near 95%
• Open neighborhood enrollment, no lottery

Cons:

• Very large enrollment can dilute individual attention
• Competitive course access in peak AP subjects

Verdict: The complete big-school package — strong academics paired with a deep activities and athletics program.

6. Bellevue High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting tradition, athletics, and solid academics

Bellevue High School enrolls about 1,400 students and blends a strong academic core with one of the most storied athletics traditions in the state. State proficiency runs roughly 76% math and 83% reading, the graduation rate sits near 96%, and the school offers a robust AP slate plus an honors-heavy course sequence.

The student-teacher ratio is around 21:1. Beyond the classroom, Bellevue's football, basketball, and music programs are perennial standouts, and graduates matriculate strongly to UW and four-year schools regionally and nationally.

Pros:

• Strong AP offerings and honors course sequence
• Historic, championship athletics tradition
• Graduation rate near 96%
• Manageable mid-size enrollment

Cons:

• Athletics reputation can overshadow academics in perception
• Boundary housing is expensive

Verdict: A balanced, tradition-rich neighborhood school with solid academics and standout athletics.

7. Mercer Island High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a small-district, high-resource setting

Serving the island community in King County, Mercer Island High School enrolls roughly 1,500 students in a small, well-funded district. State results are among the strongest statewide — about 80% math and 86% reading proficiency — with a graduation rate near 97% and a wide AP catalog.

The student-teacher ratio runs around 20:1, supported by strong community funding for counseling, arts, and athletics. Graduates routinely earn admission to UW, top liberal-arts colleges, and selective research universities.

Pros:

• Roughly 86% reading proficiency, among the best statewide
• Small, high-resource district with strong counseling
• Graduation rate near 97%
• Wide AP catalog and strong arts programs

Cons:

• Island setting limits district size and diversity
• Very high cost of living in the boundary

Verdict: A high-resource, high-outcome neighborhood school — excellent if you can live in the boundary.

8. Redmond High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Eastside families wanting strong STEM-adjacent academics

Redmond High School (Lake Washington School District) enrolls about 2,000 students and benefits from its proximity to the region's technology employers. State proficiency runs roughly 74% math and 82% reading, with a graduation rate near 95% and a deep AP catalog that includes computer science, calculus, and the sciences.

The student-teacher ratio is around 23:1. Robotics, DECA, and engineering clubs are strong, and many graduates feed directly into UW and regional STEM programs.

Pros:

• Deep AP catalog including computer science
• Strong robotics, DECA, and engineering clubs
• Graduation rate near 95%
• Open neighborhood enrollment

Cons:

• Large enrollment can crowd popular courses
• Less individualized than smaller magnets

Verdict: A strong comprehensive option for Eastside STEM-leaning students who prefer a neighborhood school.

9. Roosevelt High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Seattle families wanting strong academics plus nationally known arts

In northeast Seattle (Seattle Public Schools), Roosevelt High School enrolls roughly 1,700 students and is best known for academic strength paired with a nationally recognized jazz and music program. State proficiency runs about 68% math and 78% reading, with a graduation rate near 90% and a broad AP slate.

The student-teacher ratio is around 24:1. Roosevelt's award-winning music ensembles, theater, and athletics give it a vibrant campus culture, and graduates matriculate to UW and four-year schools nationwide.

Pros:

• Nationally acclaimed jazz and music program
• Broad AP catalog and strong humanities
• Vibrant arts, theater, and athletics culture
• Open Seattle Public Schools enrollment

Cons:

• Math proficiency trails the top Eastside schools
• Large urban school can feel crowded

Verdict: A strong Seattle choice — especially for students who want serious academics alongside elite arts.

10. Garfield High School

Type: Public (comprehensive neighborhood) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Seattle families wanting diversity, AP depth, and strong arts

Garfield High School in central Seattle enrolls about 1,600 students and is one of the city's most historic and diverse schools, long home to a strong Advanced Placement culture and a celebrated jazz program that has won national honors. State proficiency runs roughly 63% math and 74% reading, with a graduation rate near 88% and a student-teacher ratio around 24:1.

Garfield's mix of rigorous AP coursework, championship athletics, and renowned music makes it a Seattle institution, and graduates head to UW and colleges across the country.

Pros:

• Strong, long-established AP culture
• Nationally honored jazz and music program
• Diverse student body and rich campus history
• Championship athletics tradition

Cons:

• Test proficiency trails suburban leaders
• Course demand can outstrip seats in popular AP classes

Verdict: A historic, diverse Seattle school with real AP depth and standout arts for the right student.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School

• Real academic outcomes — Look past rankings to published OSPI proficiency rates and graduation rates; the top Eastside schools clear 75–95% proficiency in core subjects.
• AP and IB access — Confirm not just that a school offers Advanced Placement or IB, but that seats are available; Newport and Interlake run full IB Diploma pathways.
• College matriculation — Ask where graduates actually enroll. The strongest schools here send the bulk of graduates to four-year universities including the University of Washington.
• Teacher resources and counseling — A healthy student-teacher ratio (roughly 19–22:1 at the leaders) and strong counseling staffing affect daily experience more than a glossy brochure.
• Environment, safety, and fit — Visit during a school day; climate and safety vary widely and matter as much as test scores for the right student.
• Extracurricular depth — Robotics, music, debate, and athletics determine whether a student feels connected; Skyline, Roosevelt, and Garfield excel here.

What matters less than marketing implies: a single-year jump in a national ranking, building age, or a flashy new facility. Sustained proficiency, graduation rates, teacher staffing, and program fit affect a student's outcome far more than any one headline.

FAQ

Which is the best public high school in Washington? Tesla STEM High School in Redmond earns our top spot, with roughly 96% math proficiency, a graduation rate near 99%, and lottery-based access that keeps it open across the Lake Washington district.

What is the best value public high school in Washington? Newport High School in Bellevue is the value leader — a full IB Diploma program, a graduation rate near 96%, and strong college placement, all with free, lottery-free neighborhood enrollment.

Which Washington high schools have the best test scores? Eastside leaders such as Tesla STEM, Mercer Island, Newport, and International School post the highest OSPI proficiency rates, frequently clearing 80% in core subjects.

Do I need to win a lottery to attend the top schools? Some do require it — Tesla STEM and the International School are choice/magnet schools with lottery or selective entry, while Newport, Skyline, Bellevue, and Mercer Island are open to all in-boundary families.

Which Washington high schools are best for the arts? Roosevelt and Garfield in Seattle both run nationally honored jazz and music programs, with strong theater and visual arts alongside solid academics.

Which schools are strongest for STEM? Tesla STEM leads for dedicated STEM, while Redmond, Interlake, and Skyline offer deep AP computer science, robotics, and engineering pathways near the region's tech employers.

Bottom Line

For Washington families, Tesla STEM High School is our Best Overall public high school — about 96% math proficiency, a graduation rate near 99%, and equitable lottery access with no tuition. Newport High School is our Best Value, delivering a full IB program and a 96% graduation rate to any in-boundary family with no lottery and no cost.

If your priorities lean toward IB acceleration, a small high-resource district, or nationally known arts, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Interlake, Mercer Island, Roosevelt, or Garfield instead. Choose on real proficiency data, graduation rates, and program fit — not a single ranking — and your student will thrive.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Washington
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Washington
• GreatSchools — Washington school ratings
• Washington OSPI — Report Card and assessment data
• College Board — Advanced Placement program
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics
• Lake Washington School District — Tesla STEM High School
• Bellevue School District — Newport High School
• Issaquah School District — Skyline High School
• Seattle Public Schools — high school directory

*Public high schools in Washington review — best public high schools Washington, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*