The Bellevue School District has been ranked the No. 1 best school district in Washington for 2026 by Niche, marking the third consecutive year the district has held the top position.
The annual rankings evaluate school districts across the country using a combination of academic data, public records, and reviews. According to Niche, the Bellevue School District is recognized for high-performing schools and a wide range of highly rated educational opportunities.
For 2026, Bellevue received the following statewide and national rankings from Niche:
- No. 1 Best School District in Washington
- No. 2 Best Places to Teach in Washington
- No. 6 Districts with the Best Teachers in Washington
- No. 3 Best City for Public Schools in America, based on city rankings and school data
The Bellevue School District serves more than 19,000 students in grades PK–12. The district has an average student-teacher ratio of approximately 18:1, compared to the national average of 16:1.
Niche awarded the Bellevue School District an overall grade of A+. The district received an A+ in academics and college preparation, an A grade for teachers, an A- for diversity, and an A- for clubs and activities. These grades are calculated using data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with parent and student surveys and millions of reviews submitted to Niche.
Academic performance indicators show that 75 percent of students are proficient in reading and 69 percent are proficient in math, according to Niche data.
Bellevue High School was noted as one of the district’s top-performing schools, receiving high marks for academic rigor as well as its athletics and performing arts programs.
In addition to its school rankings, Bellevue was also recognized by Niche as one of the best cities to live in Washington. The city received high ratings for its job market, diversity, safety, and overall environment, which Niche describes as a “city in a park.”
In the 2026 rankings, Mercer Island School District placed second in Washington, followed by Lake Washington School District in third.
Niche rankings are based on an analysis of multiple factors, including academic outcomes, teacher quality, culture and diversity, resources and facilities, extracurricular offerings, sports programs, and overall parent and student experience.
