Bishop Blanchet High School: A Comprehensive Overview of Tuition, Academics, and Community

Bishop Blanchet High School (BBHS) is a private, Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school located north of Green Lake in Seattle, Washington, United States. Established in 1954, it was the first Catholic co-ed high school in the Archdiocese of Seattle. This article provides a detailed overview of Bishop Blanchet High School, covering its tuition fees, academic programs, community, and other essential aspects.

About Bishop Blanchet High School

Located at 8200 Wallingford Avenue North in Seattle, Bishop Blanchet High School serves students in grades 9-12. The school's motto is "Fons sapientiae verbum Dei" (The fount of knowledge is the word of God). Bishop Blanchet is committed to providing an excellent academic education with attention to the development of the whole person, to develop Christian leadership for the Church and for society, uphold the dignity and freedoms of all peoples, promote personal responsibilities and active service to the wider community, and to support the family, church and society in the education of youth.

Key Facts:

Location: 8200 Wallingford Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103
Grades: 9-12
Type: Private, Catholic, College Preparatory
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Founded: 1954
Enrollment: Approximately 855 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: AdvancED
Motto: Fons sapientiae verbum Dei (The fount of knowledge is the word of God)

Tuition and Financial Assistance

Annual Tuition

The annual tuition for Bishop Blanchet High School is $19,450. While this represents a significant investment, the school is committed to supporting families in need of tuition assistance.

Tuition Assistance and Scholarships

Bishop Blanchet High School offers tuition assistance based on demonstrated financial need. For the 2025-2026 school year, BBHS awarded over $3.5 million in tuition assistance and scholarships to families with incomes ranging from $10,000/year to $200,000 and above/year. This financial support is made possible through the generosity of donors and the support of the Catholic Archdiocese Fulcrum Foundation.

The application for tuition assistance for the 2026-2027 school year is open October 1-December 31, 2025. It is important to note that tuition assistance applications must be completed each year.

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Tuition Compared to Other Schools

The average private school tuition in Seattle, WA is $21,460 for elementary schools and $25,046 for high schools. Bishop Blanchet's tuition is positioned lower than the average for private high schools in the Seattle area.

Academics

Bishop Blanchet High School is known for its strong academics and college preparatory programs. The school offers a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge students and prepare them for higher education.

Curriculum

To graduate from Bishop Blanchet, a student must obtain 52 credits. The school offers a variety of courses, including Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) options. Around 50% of the student body participates in at least some of these advanced courses.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

Bishop Blanchet High School offers 14 AP courses, including:

Calculus
Chemistry
Computer Science
English Language and Composition
English Literature and Composition
European History

Standardized Test Scores

Bishop Blanchet High School students have strong standardized test scores. The average SAT score is 1250, and the average ACT score is 28.

Graduation Rate and College Preparation

Bishop Blanchet High School boasts a 100% graduation rate. Graduates are well-prepared for college, with many attending top universities across the country.

Learning Environment

The school has a total of 73 teachers, 69 of them full-time, ensuring a low student-teacher ratio of 13:1. The average class size is 22 students. Bishop Blanchet does not provide a Running Start program for students to take courses at nearby colleges while completing high school.

School Overview and Ratings

Bishop Blanchet High School has received positive feedback and ratings. Niche.com gives the school an overall grade of A+. The average GPA is 3.65, the graduation rate is 100%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1250 and an ACT score of 28.

Community and Extracurricular Activities

Bishop Blanchet High School emphasizes the development of character, leadership skills, and a commitment to service alongside a rigorous academic curriculum. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and arts programs, to provide an unforgettable student experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

Sports

Bishop Blanchet High School offers 17 interscholastic sports, with 36 teams:

Read also: Education at Bishop Heber College

Baseball
Basketball
Bowling
Cheering
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track and Field
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Wrestling

As of March 2016, Bishop Blanchet had won 164 League Championships. However, in 2015, the school self-reported that its athletics program had violated the recruiting policies of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). The WIAA responded by expunging the records of the football and girls' basketball teams for several previous seasons and placing the school's athletic program on a two-year probation.

Clubs and Activities

Bishop Blanchet has a wide variety of clubs and activities. The school's student newspaper, The Miter, is published every month during the school year.

Arts Programs

Bishop Blanchet High School provides a range of artistic courses for its students, including:

Band
Choir
Drama
Visual Arts

The Drama department boasts a "black box" theater within the school premises, which serves as the venue for a fall play, one acts, improv performances, classes, and rehearsals. Additionally, every spring, Blanchet presents a musical at the Moore Theatre.

International Students

Bishop Blanchet High School welcomes international students who plan to study with an F1 visa. The international program is for students who want to enroll full-time and graduate from BBHS. Space is very limited for students who want to study for only one or two semesters. BBHS welcomes students who apply individually or through educational agencies. The school does not have exclusive partnerships with any agencies. The school does not accept applications for Grade 12.

Admission

The application deadline for Bishop Blanchet High School is Jan. 9 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. The acceptance rate of Bishop Blanchet High School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 82%.

Applying for Admission

Applications for Spring 2026 are currently being accepted. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be reviewed later this fall.

Location and Surrounding Area

Bishop Blanchet High School is located in the Northwest Seattle neighborhood of Seattle, WA, north of Green Lake. The average home value in this area is $1,216,369. Other schools in the area include Spring Academy, University Prep, and Seattle Waldorf School.

Student and Parent Perspectives

Many students and parents have shared positive experiences about Bishop Blanchet High School. They often highlight the welcoming community, dedicated teachers, and numerous opportunities available to students.

Community and Teachers: Students appreciate the supportive community and caring teachers.
Opportunities: The school offers a good amount of clubs and opportunities for students to get involved.
Academics: Some students feel challenged academically, particularly in honors classes.
College Preparation: Graduates feel well-prepared for college and have a range of college choices.
Inclusivity: BBHS is inclusive and offers something for everyone, from sports to clubs to drama.
COVID-19 Response: The school handled the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic well, keeping students engaged and safe.

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