James A. Garfield High School is a public high school in the Seattle Public Schools district of Seattle, Washington. It is named after James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.
Serving 1,507 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 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 54% (which is higher than the Washington state average of 41%). 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 22:1 is higher than the Washington state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Washington state average of 53% (majority Hispanic and Asian).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,507 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 30% in WA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 54% (Top 30%)
- 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
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Garfield High School's student population of 1,507 students has declined by 12% over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,507 students
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Year Founded
1920
Colors
White, Purple
School Rankings
Garfield High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,088 schools in Washington (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Garfield High School is 0.77, 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
#284 out of 2088 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
54%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
77%
53%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
49%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
17:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
12%
9%
Hispanic
10%
27%
Black
30%
5%
White
33%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
2%
Two or more races
13%
9%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
84%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), WA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bulldog
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garfield High School's ranking?
Garfield High School is ranked #284 out of 2,088 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?
54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% 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 91%, which is higher than the Washington state average of 84%.
How many students attend Garfield High School?
1,507 students attend Garfield High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Garfield High School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 13% of students are Two or more races, 12% of students are Asian, 10% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Garfield High School?
Garfield High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the Washington state average of 17:1.
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
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