Bellingham: An Award-Winning School District

• Recipient of multiple Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants, including one of only 11 school districts in the state to be noted a “model” district

• Recipient of Stupski Foundation grant to promote school district leadership development

• Use of technology in instruction nationally recognized 

• Professional teaching coaching model widely acclaimed 

• Well-developed mentoring program for new teachers

• Well-regarded professional staff who present at national, state, and regional conferences and are well-represented on national, state, and regional committees and boards

• Challenging curriculum and well-respected schools

• Award-winning Superintendent 

• Outstanding record of community support for levies and bonds

• Five capital projects bonds in 10 years to build and/or renovate schools at high, middle, and elementary levels

• No defeats for maintenance and operations levies in past 35 years

• Capital levy for technology passed in 2004

• Active partners with post-secondary institutions in innovative learning opportunities

• Numerous student academic awards in regional, state, and national competitions 

• Fifty National Merit Awards for finalist, semi-finalist, and commended standings in past 2 years 

• Seven Washington Scholars out of possible twelve in past two years

• Award-winning fine art performances in music and drama

• Community commitment to small schools and class sizes

• Average class size for grades K – 12 is 24.5

• Elementary schools range in size from 195 to 497 students

• Middle schools range in size from 522 to 693 students.

• High schools range in size from 1040 to 1189, with one alternative school of 83

• Numerous athletic league championships, with strong performance at state-level tournaments