Alderwood Elementary School

Bellingham is a laid-back Pacific Northwest city tucked between the mountains and Puget Sound, known for its outdoor culture and tight-knit neighborhoods — and Alderwood Elementary reflects that community feel while also facing some real academic challenges, sitting in the lower tier of Washington state schools. Families who are deeply rooted in the area and value the neighborhood school experience may find a lot to love here, but those prioritizing test performance in English and math may want to explore other options within the Bellingham district. It's a school where the surrounding community's warmth and character come through, even as there's clear room for academic growth.