Walt Whitman High School
General Information
About (Overview)
Walt Whitman High School is a public secondary institution located in Bethesda, Maryland, serving grades 9 through 12 under the Montgomery County Public Schools system. The school opened in 1962 and has established itself as one of the highest-performing public high schools in the state, noted for its academic rigor, comprehensive extracurricular offerings, and highly engaged student community.
With an enrollment of approximately 2,018 students in the 2022-23 academic year, the school offers advanced placement courses, robust arts and athletics programs, and a strong college-preparatory focus. The school operates on a campus in Bethesda (7100 Whittier Boulevard), and its mission emphasizes creating a safe, supportive, and equitable educational environment for all students. Through its balanced program of academics, leadership, community involvement and enrichment, Walt Whitman High seeks to prepare students not only for higher education but also for lifelong success and civic responsibility.
Contact Informations
- Address: 7100 Whittier Boulevard, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
- Phone Number: (240) 740-4800
- Email Address: The school uses the Montgomery County Public Schools system email directory for staff contact; general inquiries may be handled via the main office.
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1962 |
| Motto / Mission | “Walt Whitman High School will work in partnership with students and caregivers to create an equitable, liberating and empowering education for all students.” |
| Grades Served | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | ~2,018 students (2022-23) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~17:1 |
| School Type | Public High School |
| District | Montgomery County Public Schools |
Walt Whitman High School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Note |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | A+; ranked #4 of 210+ public high schools in Maryland. |
| Test Score Percentile | Top 1% statewide for math and reading proficiency. |
| Statewide Rank | Ranked 8th of 220 Maryland high schools per SchoolDigger. |
Walt Whitman High School Academics
Walt Whitman High School Faculties / Departments
- English Language Arts
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics)
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Social Studies / Global Studies
- Foreign Languages (Spanish, French, German, Latin, etc)
- Fine & Performing Arts (Music, Visual Art, Theater)
- Physical Education & Wellness
- Career & Technical Education and Technology Integration
- Guidance, Counseling & College Readiness
Walt Whitman High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Standard curriculum aligned with Maryland state standards, enriched with honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
- AP program: 29 AP courses offered, with 65% AP enrollment and approximately 91% AP exam pass rate.
- College-readiness initiatives and dual-enrollment opportunities supported by the district.
- STEM electives and technology integration across disciplines, fostering innovation and analytical thinking.
Online Learning
Walt Whitman High School offers blended learning opportunities and uses online platforms to support instruction, remote review sessions, and digital resources for students. While the primary instructional model is in-person, the school’s infrastructure supports continuity and flexibility when needed.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | ~1390 average (Math ~700, Verbal ~690) |
| ACT | ~31 average |
| State Test Proficiency | Math: ~82 %; Reading: ~90 % |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The four-year cohort graduation rate is reported at a level of ≥95% per Maryland state data. Student retention and progression are strong, and the school emphasizes college readiness and transitions into higher education pathways.
Walt Whitman High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public high school, admissions to Walt Whitman High are based primarily on resident zoning within the Montgomery County Public Schools system rather than competitive GPA or test score criteria. For specialized programs or course selections (e.g., honors or AP tracks), prior coursework and teacher recommendations may inform placement.
Walt Whitman High School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Zoned Enrollment | Students residing in the school’s attendance area are eligible for automatic enrollment. |
| Specialized Program Entry | Enrollment into specific track courses may involve selective placement, though no public overall acceptance rate is published. |
Walt Whitman High School Application Requirements
For new students within the attendance boundary, families must complete the district registration process including proof of residency, previous school records, immunization and health forms, and other documentation required by Montgomery County Public Schools. Students transferring from outside the zone must adhere to district policies for transfers and submit additional forms if applicable.
Application Process
- Confirm residency within attendance boundary of the school.
- Complete district registration including prior academic records and health documentation.
- Review course selections and program placements (e.g., honors, AP) with school counselor.
- Participate in orientation or advising for new students to ensure smooth transition.
Walt Whitman High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Registration for new students | Late spring/early summer prior to school year |
| Program placements review | Spring prior to school year |
| Orientation for freshmen | August before school year begins |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable for general enrollment at the public high-school level. Specific program tracks may require short forms or placement tasks.
Walt Whitman High School Scholarships
As a public institution, there is no tuition fee for resident students. However, students may pursue external scholarships for college readiness, merit awards, or extracurricular programming.
Walt Whitman High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 for resident students |
| Activity/Program Fees | Varies depending on elective or club participation |
Walt Whitman High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Walt Whitman High School has approximately 2,042 students enrolled in grades 9–12. The demographic breakdown is approximately 59% White, 15.2% Asian, 12.3% Hispanic, 8.1% multiracial, and 4.7% Black/African American.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Around 6.3% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a relatively low proportion of students from lower-income households compared to some other schools. The percentage of students with disabilities receiving special education services is about 10.9%.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~2,018 students |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~17:1 |
School Diversity
Walt Whitman High School fosters a multicultural environment with a significant mix of students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. The presence of Asian, Hispanic, multiracial, and African American students alongside a strong academic community contributes to a rich social and educational milieu. This diversity enhances classroom discourse, broadens students’ perspectives, and reflects the increasingly global society in which graduates will operate. Faculty and staff support culturally responsive teaching and inclusive practices to ensure equitable engagement of all students, building cross-cultural understanding and preparing students for collaborative, diverse post-secondary environments.
Average Earnings
While direct alumni earning data for a high school is rarely published, graduates from Walt Whitman High School are well-positioned for success given the rigorous academic preparation, high graduation rates, and strong college readiness indicators. Many students proceed to competitive universities, which correlates with future earning potential and career advancement in STEM, business, and other fields.
Walt Whitman High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Walt Whitman High School employs approximately 117.6 full-time equivalent teaching staff, with a student-teacher ratio near 17:1. The faculty includes classroom educators, departmental specialists, counselors, librarians, instructional coaches, and support personnel dedicated to high academic and student-growth outcomes.
Faculty Profiles
The faculty at Walt Whitman are recognized for their strong instructional practices, involvement in advanced pedagogy, student supports for AP and honors coursework, and contributions to extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and co-curricular leadership. Teachers frequently collaborate to deliver differentiated instruction and to support student transitions into rigorous academic tracks, fostering an environment of high expectations and individualized support.
Walt Whitman High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a public high school located in Bethesda, Walt Whitman does not offer residential housing. Student life is vibrant and multifaceted, including athletics teams (the “Vikings”), performing arts, clubs, STEM teams, community service initiatives, and student publications such as the school newspaper and yearbook. The campus facilities include modern classrooms, labs, arts spaces, athletic fields, and other resources supporting a wide array of interests and talents.
Transportation
Transportation is managed through the district’s system, with school bus services available for eligible students based on distance and zoning. The school’s location in Bethesda provides accessible commuting options by car, bus, or walking for many students, and supports safe arrival/dismissal and participation in after-school programs.