These are the best public schools in Washington, Niche says. Is yours on the list?
What are the best public schools in Washington?
A new set of rankings from the site Niche aims to answer that question, using a mix of data and reviews to evaluate public elementary, middle and high schools in the Evergreen State.
The schools include traditional, magnet and charter schools.
Most of the top 10 public elementary, middle and high schools on Niche’s lists are on the west side of the state, including several in Bellevue, about a 10-mile drive east from Seattle. That district was once again named the best in the state by Niche.
“This outstanding recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a beloved community built on academic excellence, innovative learning opportunities, and an environment where all students can belong, learn and lead for our future world,” the Bellevue School District said Oct. 2 on its website.
Niche’s public high school list for Washington has some entries in common with a similar best public high schools ranking from U.S. News & World Report, released earlier this year.
The Pennsylvania-based Niche said its rankings give families “a clear, holistic view of the best educational options in their area and across the U.S.,” per a Sept. 29 news release.
Along with state rankings, Niche also released national school rankings. The best public high school in America, according to Niche, is North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham.
Here’s a look at how Niche ranked Washington schools for 2026:
What are the best public elementary schools in Washington?
These are Niche’s top 10 best public elementary schools in Washington:
1. West Mercer Elementary School in Mercer Island
2. Lakeridge Elementary School in Mercer Island
3. Spiritridge Elementary School in Bellevue
4. Island Park Elementary School in Mercer Island
5. Albert Einstein Elementary School in Redmond
6. Cascade Ridge Elementary School in Sammamish
7. Sunny Hills Elementary School in Sammamish
8. Canyon Creek Elementary School in Bothell
9. Sunrise Elementary School in Redmond
10. Ordway Elementary School in Bainbridge Island
What are the best public middle schools in Washington?
These are Niche’s top 10 best public middle schools in Washington:
1. International Community School in Kirkland
2. International School in Bellevue
3. Islander Middle School in Mercer Island
4. Timberline Middle School in Redmond
5. Cougar Mountain Middle School in Issaquah
6. Environmental & Adventure School in Kirkland
7. Chinook Middle School in Bellevue
8. Northshore Family Partnership in Woodinville
9. Tyee Middle School in Bellevue
10. Odle Middle School in Bellevue
What are the best public high schools in Washington?
These are Niche’s top 10 best public high schools in Washington:
1. Nikola Tesla STEM High School in Redmond
2. Newport High School in Bellevue
3. International Community School in Kirkland
4. International School in Bellevue
5. Spokane Valley Tech (formerly STEM Academy at SVT) in Spokane Valley
6. Mercer Island High School in Mercer Island
7. Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila
8. Eastlake High School in Sammamish
9. Lincoln High School in Seattle
10. Bellevue High School in Bellevue
How did Niche come up with its rankings?
Niche said it used data from sources such as the U.S. Department of Education; statistics reported by schools; reviews from parents, students and teachers; and other information to create its rankings.
“Niche’s 2026 Best Schools and Districts rankings combine user input with quantitative data to provide a comprehensive view of each school. Key factors include academics, teachers, resources, facilities, extracurriculars, and more,” the release said.
This story was originally published October 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "These are the best public schools in Washington, Niche says. Is yours on the list?."
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