Message from the Principal

Dear Patriot Family,

Washington High School is a special place for me and my family. I have spent my entire 20-year career at WHS, and there’s no other place I’d rather work or send my own children. We have a dedicated staff and an incredible group of students, and I’m confident that, as you participate in our school community with us, Washington High School will be a special place for you as well.

What sets WHS apart from other schools is our culture and climate. Our school was recently recognized as the sixth most diverse high school in the state. As such, we strive to create a sense of inclusion and belonging, and while we still have room to grow, we take pride in knowing that nearly 90% of our students report being proud to be part of our school and almost 85% say that they enjoy coming to school. That hasn’t always been the case, so we realize how important that is. We recognize that, before students are ready to learn, they need to feel like they are safe and that they make a difference.

As critical as it is to create a culture of belonging, we recognize that it is not sufficient. Students need to be engaged in meaningful, rigorous work each class period. Our teachers focus on high-quality instruction for all and participate in continual professional development to ensure that we do this with the proper balance of support and student accountability. Collaboration is a critical component to everything we do instructionally. Our teachers are adept at planning and delivering quality instruction, assessing student learning, and making instructional decisions based on data. The result is a graduation rate close to 90% and regular recognition as a positive outlier, related to student achievement, when compared with similar schools. We recently learned that WHS was recognized once again by US News and World report as being in the top 40% in the nation, and not another school like us in the area ranks as high.

Washington High School offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities related to athletics, clubs, activities, JROTC, and performing arts. We recognize the essential role that such pursuits play and are dedicated to offering significant opportunities for growth and achievement to all of our students through these activities. I encourage you to learn about the many offerings that are available and see if one is right for you.

I recognize how important each stake holder is to the success of our school. As parents and families, I hope you visit this website regularly to check on important updates and upcoming events. Check your student(s) academic progress regularly, and reach out to their teachers with questions. Students use the resources on this site to ensure that you are making the necessary progress toward a fulfilling high school experience and a promising future. Go PATS!