Garfield High School

Curiosity hung in the air thicker than the Seattle mist. What secrets did these walls hold? I’m talking about Garfield High School, of course. Right here, at 400 23rd Avenue, stands a landmark steeped in history, echoing with the voices of generations past. Garfield High School opened its doors in 1920, initially known as East High School. Its first graduating class, a mere 282 students, transferred from Broadway High School. Can you imagine the excitement and trepidation they must have felt? Garfield High School quickly outgrew its original twelve-room building. By 1929, the current Jacobean-style structure, designed by Floyd Naramore, replaced it. An addition was soon needed to accommodate the burgeoning student population, which peaked at 2,300. Garfield High School has always been more than just bricks and mortar. It has served as a vital hub for the Central District, reflecting the neighborhood’s changing demographics. From its early Jewish, Japanese, and Italian student body to its predominantly African American population post-World War II, Garfield High School has mirrored Seattle’s evolving identity. This school’s history intertwines with the fight for civil rights. In the 1960s, Garfield High School students bravely boycotted classes, demanding better representation in the curriculum and protesting segregation. Imagine the impact of those young voices, echoing through the halls and beyond. Luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Stokely Carmichael graced this very campus, inspiring generations with their messages of equality and justice. Even Barack Obama, before his presidency, spoke here on the crucial role of education. Garfield High School has a legacy of academic excellence. It is known for its robust Advanced Placement program and challenging curriculum. But Garfield High School is more than just academics. Its music program is legendary. Jimi Hendrix, though a dropout, honed his skills here. Quincy Jones, whose name now adorns the performing arts center, is a proud alumnus. Think of the music that was born within these walls, the melodies that first took flight in classrooms and rehearsal rooms. From its terracotta facade, adorned with emblems of botany, trades, arts, and sciences, to its state-of-the-art performing arts center, Garfield High School stands as a testament to the power of education and community. Its story, woven into the fabric of Seattle, continues to unfold, shaping the future one graduate at a time.