The district enrolls nearly 12,000 students across its schools and programs,[3][4] and is the fourth-largest employer in Whatcom County.
[6] In 2006, the Center for Digital Education, along with the National School Boards Association, named the Bellingham School District 6th in the nation for districts with 2501-15000 students.
[7][8] They were also awarded an "excellence in equity" award in 2019, from the Washington State School Directors' Association,[9] and a green ribbon for sustainability from the U.S. Department of Education in 2022.
[11] The district includes four grade 6–8 middle schools.
[11] Grades K–5 Neighborhood references: City of Bellingham.