Bothell High School

Bothell High School is a comprehensive public high school located in Bothell, Washington, serving students in grades 9-12 as part of the Northshore School District. Founded in the early 20th century, the school has grown alongside the Puget Sound region to become one of the largest secondary institutions in the state. It is known for its robust academic programs, competitive athletic teams, and a diverse array of extracurricular activities. The school's mascot is the Cougar, and its colors are blue and gold.

History

The institution traces its origins to a small schoolhouse established in 1908, serving the agricultural community of the Sammamish River valley. It was formally designated as a high school in 1914, operating in a dedicated building in downtown Bothell. The school district underwent significant reorganization, leading to its inclusion in the newly formed Northshore School District in 1959. A major transition occurred in 1994 when the school relocated to its current, larger campus on the former grounds of the North Creek area to accommodate rapid population growth in King County and Snohomish County. This move coincided with the opening of the district's second comprehensive high school, Inglemoor High School, which altered traditional attendance boundaries.

Academics

The school offers a broad curriculum aligned with state standards, including numerous Advanced Placement courses and a recognized International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Specialized career and technical education pathways are offered in fields such as biomedical sciences, engineering, and information technology. Students consistently perform above state averages on assessments like the Smarter Balanced tests and the SAT. The school fosters academic competition through participation in events like the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair and DECA.

Athletics

Competing as the Cougars in the KingCo 4A Conference, the school fields teams in a wide range of sports sanctioned by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Its football program has achieved notable success, including multiple state playoff appearances and a championship game berth. The school's wrestling, softball, and girls' soccer teams have also won state titles. Rivalries with nearby schools like Inglemoor High School and Woodinville High School are prominent, particularly in football and basketball. Athletic facilities include a stadium, multiple gymnasiums, and fields for baseball, softball, and soccer.

Notable alumni

Graduates have achieved distinction in diverse fields such as professional sports, entertainment, and public service. In athletics, alumni include Jake Locker, a quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, a tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Entertainment figures include actress and singer Megan Hilty, known for her work on Broadway and television, and Katherine McNamara, an actress from the series Shadowhunters. Other notable graduates encompass Aaron Brooks, a professional basketball player, and Chris Henderson, a former player for the United States men's national soccer team and executive for Seattle Sounders FC.

Campus and facilities

The modern campus is situated on a expansive site in northern Bothell, featuring a main academic building with a centralized library and commons area. Specialized facilities include dedicated laboratories for the sciences, a performing arts center with a proscenium theater, and a television production studio. The athletic complex houses Pop Keeney Stadium, a shared venue with a synthetic turf field used for football and soccer. Recent capital improvements funded by the Northshore School District have included technology upgrades and renovations to support growing enrollment and evolving educational programs.

Category:High schools in Washington (state) Category:Northshore School District Category:Educational institutions established in 1908 Category:Bothell, Washington