Washington Liberty High School
General Information
About (Overview)
Washington Liberty High School, located in Arlington, Virginia, is a large and dynamic public high school serving grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1925 (originally as Washington-Lee High School) and later renamed, the institution sits just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., and embodies a blend of rich tradition and modern educational innovation. The school is part of the district and offers robust academic programming including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, allowing students to engage in advanced, globally recognized curricula.
The campus has undergone substantial renovation and expansion in recent years, resulting in state-of-the-art facilities such as an 800-seat auditorium, indoor swimming pool, and updated classroom wings, all oriented around its War Memorial Stadium and designed with LEED Gold certification in mind. Student life at Washington Liberty is rich: beyond academics, the school provides a vibrant athletics scene, arts programs, and countless student-led clubs, creating an environment where both personal growth and academic excellence are prioritized. With a diverse student body, a strong commitment to college readiness, and a central location in Arlington, Washington Liberty High School offers students a comprehensive high-school experience rooted in community, opportunity, and achievement.
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 North Stafford Street, Arlington, Virginia 22201, USA
- Phone Number: (703) 228-6200
- Email Address: (Public high schools may use a general admissions or info email; for specifics, please contact the school office.)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1925 |
| Motto | (Historically “Men and Women for Others” as a Jesuit-style motto; at WL, the legacy is “Knowledge, Freedom, Opportunity”) |
| Grades Served | 9-12 |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 17.34 :1 (2023-24) |
| Enrollment | Approximately 2,900 (2023-24) |
| School Type | Public, Urban High School |
| District | Arlington Public Schools |
Washington Liberty High School Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| Best Public High Schools in Virginia | Top 10 in Virginia according to Niche |
| National Recognition | Formerly ranked 33rd among U.S. top high schools in Newsweek (2007) |
| College-Prep Program | 49% AP enrollment; Niche College Prep grade “A+” |
Washington Liberty High School Academics
Washington Liberty High School Faculties / Departments
- English & Humanities
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
- Social Studies & Global Studies
- World Languages (Spanish, French, Arabic, etc.)
- Visual & Performing Arts (Music, Theater, Visual Arts)
- Physical Education & Health
- Counseling & College Readiness
- Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement Coordination
Washington Liberty High School Courses and Programs / Majors
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses across disciplines
- Honors level courses in STEM and humanities
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering/technology pathways
- Visual and Performing Arts: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Theater, Visual Arts
- Dual-enrollment or advanced study possibilities via local college partnerships
- Service-learning and leadership initiatives integrated with academics
Online Learning
Washington Liberty offers blended learning environments, especially to support AP and IB courses; digital resources assist with independent study and credit recovery. While full-time online schooling is not standard, students engage in virtual collaboration, online coursework, and blended classroom experiences especially during emergencies or for enrichment.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score |
|---|---|
| SAT | Approx. 1310 (Niche estimate) |
| ACT | Approx. 30 (Niche estimate) |
| AP Exams | 49% AP enrollment; high rate of scoring 3+ tops |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Washington Liberty maintains a strong retention rate by virtue of offering comprehensive grade-9 through 12 coverage with flexible pathways. The four-year graduation rate is consistently in the range of 90% or above, supported by robust academic counseling, remediation programs, and a college-preparatory environment.
Washington Liberty High School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public neighborhood high school, Washington Liberty does not require a formal application or set GPA for admission for local residents within its attendance zone. For programs like IB or specialized pathways, students are strongly encouraged to show solid academic performance. The average SAT and ACT scores for matriculating students reflect college-level readiness (SAT ~1310, ACT ~30).
Washington Liberty High School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Note |
|---|---|
| Local Enrollment | Zoned admission; open to students residing in attendance area |
| Specialized Programs | Competitive entry into IB or honors tracks may apply; formal percentage unknown |
Washington Liberty High School Application Requirements
For most students, admission to Washington Liberty requires residence within the school boundary of the Arlington Public Schools district and completion of district enrollment paperwork (proof of address, prior school records, immunization). Students wishing to enroll in IB, AP, or honors tracks may submit prior academic records and interview or placement assessments. The school house counselors review student readiness for advanced coursework.
Application Process
- Confirm student residence within Washington Liberty’s attendance zone.
- Submit district enrollment forms including proof of address, previous school transcripts, immunization records.
- For advanced programs (IB or honors), review previous coursework and, if required, meet with counselor or teacher.
- Receive placement into appropriate grade level and academic tracks.
- Participate in orientation sessions and schedule classes for fall.
Washington Liberty High School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Opens for New Year | Spring prior to school year start |
| Transfer or Program Applications | Usually late winter / early spring |
| School Year Begins | Late August |
Essay Prompt
Not required for standard enrollment. Certain specialized programs (e.g., IB) may request a short statement of interest in advanced learning and global citizenship, but no formal essay is standard.
Washington Liberty High School Scholarships
As a public school tuition is free to resident students. Scholarships may be available through the school or district for special programs, summer enrichment, or competitive recognitions, but are not required for core admission.
Washington Liberty High School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Free to in-district students |
| Registration & Activity Fees | Varies (for clubs, sports) |
| Technology / Lab Fees | Covered by district in most cases |
Washington Liberty High School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
In the 2023-24 school year, Washington Liberty had an enrollment of approximately 2,900 students. The gender breakdown was approximately 50.7% male and 49.3% female. Ethnically, approximately 40.0% of students identified as White, 34.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.2% Asian, 8.2% Black/African American, and 8.0% multiracial. Approximately 25.9% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Washington Liberty supports a diverse socio-economic student body; over a quarter of students qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch, indicating a significant representation of lower-income families. The school provides special education services, accommodations, and support programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring access to rigorous academic pathways and inclusive learning opportunities.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Approximate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~2,900 |
| Students Eligible for Free/Reduced Lunch | ~25.9% |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 17.34 :1 |
University Diversity
Washington Liberty High School’s student body is richly diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and learning profile. This multicultural environment is a key asset: students from varied backgrounds collaborate in IB, AP, arts, athletics, and community service programs, gaining exposure to global perspectives and peer networks that reflect a wide range of experiences. The school’s commitment to equity and inclusion helps foster a culture of respect, cultural awareness, and mutual learning. In addition, the high rate of participation in advanced programs by students from non-traditional backgrounds underscores the school’s ambition to support achievement across demographics. Such an inclusive ecosystem not only enriches the classroom but equips students for success in higher education and a globally interconnected world.
Average Earnings
While high schools do not typically publish alumni earnings, Washington Liberty’s strong college-preparatory focus, including IB and AP pathways and a graduation rate in excess of 90 %, positions its graduates well for postsecondary success. Graduates frequently matriculate to competitive universities and college systems, and benefit from the academic rigor and leadership opportunities they experienced at W-L. These foundational credentials often translate into higher earning potential in a variety of fields including STEM, business, arts, and public service.
Washington Liberty High School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty at Washington Liberty includes approximately 167 full-time equivalent teaching positions (2023-24) with an overall student-teacher ratio of 17.34. Teachers are supported by counselors, special education professionals, arts and athletics staff, college-counseling advisors, and a strong administrative team. The school emphasizes professional development, inclusive teaching practices, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly in IB and AP frameworks.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty members at Washington Liberty hold advanced degrees in their fields and frequently take leadership roles in curriculum development, educational research, and extracurricular guidance. Many are recognized for achievements in teaching those advanced programs, leading student research, and orchestrating fine arts and athletics excellence. Their commitment helps sustain the school’s reputation for academic rigor and well-rounded student support.
Washington Liberty High School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Washington Liberty offers a full high-school experience with no on-campus housing, as is standard for public high schools. Student life is vibrant: the school supports a wide range of clubs, performing arts groups, athletics teams, leadership organizations, service-learning initiatives and competitive academics. The campus features modern facilities including a large auditorium, indoor pool, expansive athletic fields, and student commons spaces designed for collaboration and social engagement. The school culture encourages students to take initiative, explore their interests, and build strong peer networks that extend beyond the classroom.
Transportation
Located in an urban-suburban setting, Washington Liberty is accessible by school buses, public transit, biking or walking for many local students. The Arlington Public Schools system maintains coordinated transportation routes, after-school activity buses, and support for students attending early-morning or late-day programs. The campus’s proximity to major thoroughfares and transit options makes commuting feasible for students across Arlington.