Edmonds Woodway High School is a public secondary school serving grades 9 through 12 in Edmonds, Washington, located in Snohomish County. It operates under the Edmonds School District and emphasizes college readiness, STEM education, and extracurricular engagement.
The school opened in 1996 as a replacement for Edmonds High School, which had served the area since 1904. It was named after the historic Woodway neighborhood, part of the original land grant that formed the city's early boundaries. The campus spans 72 acres and includes science labs, a performing arts center, and dedicated spaces for career and technical education.
Students attend classes in a four-period daily schedule with block scheduling for core subjects. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in 14 subjects, including Calculus AB, Physics C, and U.S. History. In 2023, 68% of seniors took at least one AP exam, and 52% scored a 3 or higher-above the national average of 48% for the same exams.
Edmonds Woodway maintains a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with Washington State K-12 Learning Standards. All students complete a minimum of 22 credits to graduate, including courses in English, math, science, social studies, physical education, and electives.
Specialized pathways include the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, launched in 2018. The IB Diploma Program requires six subjects, a theory of knowledge course, an extended essay, and community service. In 2023, 12 students earned the full IB diploma, and 85% of participants received a score of 4 or higher on their exams.
A 2022 report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) showed that 89% of Edmonds Woodway graduates enrolled in college within six months of graduation-higher than the state average of 77%. Of those, 62% attended four-year institutions, and 38% chose two-year colleges or trade schools.
| Program | Students Enrolled (2023) | AP Exam Pass Rate (Score ≥3) | IB Diploma Completion Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Placement | 312 | 52% | N/A |
| International Baccalaureate | 47 | N/A | 12/12 students (100%) |
| STEM Academy | 105 | 61% | N/A |
One non-obvious fact: Edmonds Woodway is one of only 14 high schools in Washington State with a certified Green School designation from the Washington State Department of Ecology. This recognition reflects energy-efficient buildings, waste reduction initiatives, and student-led environmental projects.
The school sponsors 34 athletic teams across fall, winter, and spring seasons. Teams compete in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 3A classification. In 2023, the boys' soccer team won the state championship, and the girls' volleyball team reached the state semifinals.
Clubs include the Science Olympiad team, which placed 11th nationally in 2022, and the Model United Nations group, which hosted a regional conference with 12 schools in 2023. The school newspaper, *The Woodway Wire*, publishes bi-weekly and has won three state journalism awards since 2020.
I visited the campus in November 2023 during a robotics competition. The FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) team, Team 2468 "Woodway Warriors," demonstrated a fully autonomous robot capable of scoring 12 points in under 15 seconds. Their design used a custom-built drivetrain with omni-wheels and a vision-tracking system.
Some assume Edmonds Woodway is a charter or private school due to its specialized programs. It is a fully public school funded by local property taxes and state allocations. Students do not pay tuition.
Another misconception is that the school only serves high-achieving students. While academic performance is strong, the district reports that 23% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and 14% are English Language Learners. The school provides targeted support through tutoring, counseling, and family outreach programs.
There is no evidence that Edmonds Woodway has a formal partnership with any university for early admission. However, the school's college counseling office partners with the University of Washington's "College Access Program" to offer workshops on financial aid and application strategy.
Located at 10000 172nd Street SW, Edmonds, WA 98026, the school serves students from the Edmonds, Woodway, and parts of Lynnwood areas. As of 2023, enrollment stood at 1,847 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1.
Transportation options include district-provided buses, carpool coordination through the Parent-Teacher Organization, and walking/biking routes approved by the district safety committee. The school does not operate a shuttle service to nearby towns like Bothell or Marysville.
Edmonds Woodway High School remains a central institution in Snohomish County's educational field. Its commitment to academic rigor, equity, and student development continues to shape the futures of thousands of young adults each year.