Original Research by School Decision on Arlington High School
Arlington High School sits in the city of Arlington, a community that has transformed significantly over the past few decades. Once rooted in timber and agriculture, Arlington has suburbanized heavily since the 1980s, adding new housing developments and commercial corridors. The local economy now includes a large Amazon distribution center near the municipal airport and the Cascade Industrial Center, a designated manufacturing hub between Arlington and Marysville. The city’s traditional downtown remains a civic anchor, but the broader built environment is suburban. Home values in the area are above the national median, and rents have been rising, reflecting the region’s growth and the broader Puget Sound housing pressures. For families moving here, Arlington offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, industrial employment, and access to outdoor recreation along the Stillaguamish River.
The high school itself is a regular public school serving ninth through twelfth grade. Enrollment is moderate for a comprehensive high school, with a student body that is predominantly white but includes a substantial Hispanic population and smaller shares of students who are Asian, Black, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or of two or more races. About two-fifths of students come from households that qualify for free or reduced-price meals, a figure that gives a sense of the economic diversity within the school.
Academically, Arlington High School’s state assessment results from the most recent testing year show a mixed picture. In English language arts, a majority of students met the state standard. In science, a majority also met the standard, though the share was somewhat lower. In math, the proficiency rate was notably lower, with about a third of students meeting the bar. Only a single year of data was available, so there is no trend to examine. Parents who value strong ELA and science foundations may find those areas reassuring, while those focused on math outcomes may want to ask the school about its math instruction, support programs, and how the school works to raise performance in that subject. The district has recently adopted a new five-year Strategic Plan that identifies closing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates as priorities, and it is also in the process of updating both its elementary ELA curriculum and its K-12 science curriculum. These district-level initiatives suggest an intentional focus on curriculum consistency and instructional improvement, but the actual impact at the high school level will take time to materialize.
Several data points that many families look for were not available in the information reviewed. There is no reported graduation rate, which is a key measure for a high school, and chronic absenteeism data was also absent. Discipline statistics and course access information, such as Advanced Placement or career and technical education offerings, were not provided. Without those, it is difficult to characterize the range of academic pathways available or the school’s climate around attendance and behavior. A parent considering Arlington High School may want to contact the school directly to ask about graduation rates, the breadth of course offerings, and how the school supports students who are struggling.
The district has had some recent financial decisions that are relevant to families. In early 2024, voters narrowly approved a four-year technology levy that funds student devices, classroom technology, network upgrades, and STEM resources. The narrow margin suggests some community division over school funding priorities. The levy means that classroom technology will continue to be refreshed through 2028, which could benefit students at the high school.
Arlington High School occupies a specific niche: a comprehensive suburban high school in a growing city with a mix of economic backgrounds, where academic results are solid in reading and science but weaker in math, and where district leadership is actively working on curriculum and equity goals. Families will want to explore the math support structures, ask about graduation outcomes, and understand what programs beyond the core academics are available before making a decision.
See more original research from School Decision →