Capital High School
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: (360) 596-8000
District: Olympia School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades 9,10,11,12 • 1325 students
Capital High School, a public school located in Olympia, WA, serves grades 9-12 in the Olympia School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Capital High School is a public school located in Olympia, WA. 1325 students attend Capital High School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 7/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2025 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
| College Readiness | 8/10 | The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using 2017 Average SAT score data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2026 demographic data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
Posted: June 11, 2023
Extremely woke , anything other than leftist thinking will bot be tolerated
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: June 11, 2023
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
There are two things to consider when going to this school - the teachers and academics, and the students. The teachers do a good job of teaching overall. They kept us informed on grades good or bad and were responsive to emails when questions or problems would arise.
The bigger problem is the students. My child described them as rude, racist, and obnoxious. My child was harassed over his ethnicity. He was harassed over being gay, even though he is not gay. And had a generally horrible time there. If you have a child who is introverted, or a child of color, I cannot/would not recommend going to this school. White students should, however, do just find.
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: October 10, 2022
Posted: May 14, 2021
Disregards student's time and personal life. I regularly had to spend at least 14 hours on schoolwork daily. They would always preach about mental health, but many of my peers would frequently experience burnout, anxiety, and depression due to the workload. The principal does not listen to the outcry of the students. He will only answer your questions if they are asked by a parent/guardian. When given a PAWS week (a week that was created to help students catch up during Covid) I had multiple teachers ignore the required two days without new material or assignments and he did nothing to sort it out. Equally so, Ive had peers be called homophobic, racist, and anti-Semitic slurs without any justice or consequences. CHS has a terrible drug problem that is completely ignored by the administration. I have seen students deal at school on multiple occasions. The science department is Capital's saving grace that they fail to lean into. They have amazing, thoughtful science teachers and easy to understand, well-paced science curriculum. Instead, they prioritize sports over all else. If your student doesn't do sports, they receive no support. Their English, math, and history departments are lackluster with unpassionate staff. Their electives are good though. Taught by passionate, skilled teachers. Capital also has a major parking issue. If you pay for a parking pass you are not required to get a spot, and since they only check for parking permits about once a semester it's cheaper to just get fined than to buy a parking pass. In 2018 they chose to replace the most aesthetically pleasing part of the building (along with 1/5 of the parking spots) with a second theatre, which is for lack of a better phrase, "a grey concrete Rubix cube in the middle of nowhere". Thats just one example of misusing funds. All of my older siblings who've chosen to continue onto college have told me that Capital High school was more stressful and difficult than college. During Covid, they showed little sympathy to students despite the dire circumstances. I knew many of my peers had busy home lives, jobs, or lacked proper internet services to maintain their grades, and I saw their mental health and GPA suffer because of it. Don't get me wrong I'm a great student, I'm ahead in my classes, I get mostly As, but Capital is not a place that breeds success. Capital is a school that grinds down happiness, smothers creativity, and stamps out individuality.
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: May 14, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Posted: April 19, 2021
Terrible school. Teachers care little about student success.
Posted: September 20, 2019
My time at Capital has been amazing! Really great people and teachers who are focused on the success of students. The International Baccalaureate program is an amazing experience for students who want a challenging academic experience. Students who are at a economic or social disadvantage do struggle a lot while those who are well off see incredible success.
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: September 20, 2019
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: January 19, 2018
I deeply regret not listening to the parents who tried to tell me not to send my daughter to this school. The administration lacks serious organization as well as basic communication skills. The faculty is overworked, underpaid and understaffed (as are most public schools). Also, like many high schools, there a lot of problems with drugs, bullying, etc., but CHS seems to have these issues on steroids. Drugs and bullying at this school are deeply imbedded and widely ignored. To think that these issues are for "building character" and "making our children stronger to face the real world" is naive and ignorant. These kinds of issues that our kids face on daily basis at this school have very real and serious long term affects. Of course I am not saying that EVERY issue is dire or that EVERY child is in grave danger, but to dismiss these problems as "life lessons" is absolutely asinine.
Posted: January 19, 2018
Posted: November 14, 2017
Leadership is okay. During my time there, some staff members in leadership positions didn't necessarily fix problems that needed to be fixed. Leadership is adequate for the most part.
Posted: November 14, 2017
Many leadership students are involved in the school's developmentally disabled programs, and many try to make it a very inclusive place. Of course, this may vary year to year, but when I was there, everyone was very welcoming.
Posted: November 14, 2017
I've heard cases when bullying cases aren't solved or fixed. The school does what it can to prevent bullying, and I never personally experienced bullying.
Posted: November 14, 2017
Standard homework expectations. Usually not too hard for students. Varies depending on classes.
Posted: November 14, 2017
Many teachers are caring, reliable, and compassionate. A few teachers were not great (and seem like they don't understand how to make concepts easier for students to understand), but the majority are helpful.
Posted: November 14, 2017
The school does all that it can to promote respect and compassion. While I was attending this school, respect and integrity were things that were instilled in students.
Posted: November 14, 2017
I loved going to Capital when I was in high school. I felt it was a safe environment, and we were taught things that could be useful for life after high school. However, I am hearing that things have gone downhill since 2015.
Posted: August 21, 2017
Incompetent administration (former principal Chris Woods in particular). Teachers span the range from totally inept to helpful and knowledgeable, though the trend leans towards the former. Mandatory rallies and assemblies an exercise in wasting taxpayer funds. The main focus is on sports, rather than academics. A regrettable four years.
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: August 21, 2017
Posted: June 23, 2016
Posted: June 23, 2016
Posted: June 23, 2016
Posted: June 23, 2016
Every review is one's personal story. No high school is unique in its set of challenges. CHS gets a bad rap because the only ones who review are the ones who have a complaint about their personal situation. I don't mean to diminish any negative experiences - I'm sure they are legit. However, we would all like to hear updates 4 years later from parents who bubble wrapped their kids in a private school. Was their mettle tested? Can they adapt, cope, overcome? As a parent, your child is as successful as you are involved in their lives. We have had challenges at every school along the way, but refuse to condemn an entire school because our kid was bullied, or a teacher was mean, or they didn't have AP, or we don't like the food, etc. If you take the time to review a school, know that people rely on that information. Try rating it based on what YOU put into it, not how nice people were to you or what was handed to you on a plate. Our child just graduated with honors & a 2-year degree with a scholarship to a great university, and attended the lowest income feeder schools in the area. She has learned what true social diversity is, and what compassion and hard work are. She has learned to overcome challenges and will be ready for the world. I myself attended OHS and, trust me, same exact challenges there, just a boatload more people and more money. OHS is a great school if you want a vanilla latte. CHS is the campfire coffee of high schools - gritty, strong, and does the job. Choose what's best for your child, but make an informed decision.
Posted: March 25, 2016
Posted: March 25, 2016
Students are recruited from feeder schools. Parents need to know there are other options. With all the stories of bullying and administration doing little, it is difficult to believe a high level of integrity exists.
Posted: March 25, 2016
Capital HS is our neighborhood school. We have heard many many negative reports from parents whose kids attend this school. Bullying especially. For parents that are unaware, there is another option to CHS and OHS. JP2 in Lacey is a wonderful school. Rich in diversity, academically rigorous, no tryouts for sports, there is a place for everyone. Our kids are thriving there. Very generous financial aid, families of all faiths, graduates going on to college have earned very large amounts of scholarship dollars. Many carpool opportunities. They are adding 8000 sq foot addition this summer as they continue to grow.
Well worth looking into. We are so happy to make the drive for our kids. Having this choice of high school feels like a gift.
Posted: April 14, 2015
They make sure every student succeeds! They have excellent caring staff that communicate well with parents!
Posted: February 17, 2015
my daughter was constantly bullied at Capital as a student there. I went to the principal multiple times and showed them proof because they were threats (to cut her fingers off with wire cutters) but they just said the other girls said something about my daughter so there was nothing they could do even though there was proof right there!!! she was so devastated and continued to be bullied and i had finally switched her to a different school. it was a horrible experience. please never let your child go to that awful school....
Posted: March 3, 2014
The staff and students at Capital High School are wonderful and they are all well rounded and respectful. I disagree with many of the reviews that have been written about Capital. As a student, I think it is a wonderful environment for a student to learn, and the teachers are willing to work with you before and after school to improve your grades and help you understand the work.
Posted: September 5, 2013
this school has no communication with parents or students they don't ever explain all your options to you. I ABSOLUTELY WOULD NEVER send my child to this school it was the most awful experience, leaving this school was the best decision my parents made.
Posted: May 10, 2013
I've been very pleased with my daughter's experience at Capital. Not sure why so many negative reviews. We've been more than happy with the quality of instruction she has received, and the majority of her teachers have been excellent. The social environment has been very welcoming and the one episode she experienced with mild bullying was handled immediately and with zero tolerance. The relatively smaller size of the school helps assure that every student receives adequate attention from staff. My only negative is that I would prefer an AP program to IB.
Posted: February 13, 2013
Do not let your child attend this school. 90% of the staff are horrible, especially the administrative staff! Those teachers that aren't horrible are to afraid to stand up to those who are. It's a no win situation. My son is disabled and the last straw was the day a special education teacher pinned my son to the ground in a hallway because he left the classroom without permission. Most of the staff are to busy trying to be arm chair shrinks and wardens to even consider education as their job!
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Woodsmuir | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Olympia | WA | 5.6 mi | |
| 2 | Avonlea | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lacey | WA | 5.9 mi | |
| 3 | Clocktower | Neighborhood/Subdivision | DuPont | WA | 14.2 mi | |
| 4 | Tahoma Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Yelm | WA | 16.4 mi | |
| 5 | Hawaiian Village | Apartment Complex | Lakewood | WA | 20.7 mi | |
| 6 | westridge apartments | Apartment Complex | Tacoma | WA | 22.2 mi | |
| 7 | North End | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 25.9 mi | |
| 8 | Stadium District | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 27.3 mi | |
| 9 | Silver Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 29.6 mi | |
| 10 | Gem Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 29.8 mi | |
| 11 | Lost Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Graham | WA | 30.9 mi | |
| 12 | McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 33.3 mi | |
| 13 | The Ridge at McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 33.9 mi | |
| 14 | Kitsap Lake | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 37.8 mi | |
| 15 | Manette | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 39 mi | |
| 16 | Fairway Lane | Apartment Complex | Bremerton | WA | 39.2 mi | |
| 17 | Whisper Ridge | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 40.9 mi | |
| 18 | Blueberry Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 41.6 mi | |
| 19 | The Reserve at Bucklin Hill | Apartment Complex | Silverdale | WA | 43.5 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stonegate | Olympia | WA | 5.9 mi | |
| 2 | Port Orchard | Port Orchard | WA | 36.7 mi | |
| 3 | Silverdale | Silverdale | WA | 42.6 mi | |
| 4 | East Bremerton | Bremerton | WA | 42.8 mi | |
| 5 | Bainbridge Island | Bainbridge Island | WA | 44.3 mi | |
| 6 | Ridgetop | Silverdale | WA | 44.7 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| Fort Lewis | 17.8 mi. |
| McChord AFB | 21.4 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton | 38 mi. |
| Coast Guard Seattle | 46.7 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap Bangor | 47.2 mi. |
