Everyone has their go-to bathroom at school. Some are safe havens, some are chaotic, and some are better left for true emergencies. To find out which ones deserve the top spot, I used a simple rating system: the Bathroom Rating Scale, which scores each restroom on cleanliness, smell, privacy, look, and crowds. Each category is worth up to five points for a total of 25.

Rating Scale:

• 21–25 = Amazing
  
• 16–20 = Pretty good
  
• 11–15 = Okay
  
• 6–10 = Rough
  
• 1–5 = Never again

       Before we begin, it should be said that our janitors take very good care of all the bathrooms, and we are all grateful for how much effort they put into keeping them clean. Even when the crowds hit and supplies run out, they are the reason any of these restrooms are usable at all. And also I only chose 4 bathrooms to rank for purposes of keeping the article at a readable length.

#4 – Upstairs Bathroom

Cleanliness: 4
Smell: 3
Privacy: 2
Look: 1
Crowds: 1
Total: 11/25 — “Okay”

       The upstairs bathroom seems convenient since it is right by most classrooms, but it turns into a full-scale operation during passing periods. Between second and third period, the line stretches out the door, and you might as well wave goodbye to being on time for class. It earns points for cleanliness. The floors and sinks usually look fine, and toilet paper is almost always stocked. The smell is average – not great, not terrible. Privacy, however, is where this bathroom struggles. One of the stall locks is broken, which makes things stressful, and the stalls have gaps wide enough to see someone’s shoes or even worse, make eye contact. The look is rough. Harsh fluorescent lights and plain walls make the whole space feel uninviting. It does not help that you can hear the crowd waiting outside while you are inside trying to wash your hands. One bright spot is that there are always paper towels, which is not something every bathroom can claim. Still, with its crowding issues and lack of comfort, this one lands near the bottom of the list.

#3 – Downstairs Bathroom

Cleanliness: 4
Smell: 3
Privacy: 4
Look: 1
Crowds: 2
Total: 14/25 — “Okay”

       The downstairs bathroom is no secret. Everyone knows it is there, but it somehow manages to stay calmer than the upstairs one. It is fairly easy to get in and out without waiting too long. It earns solid points for cleanliness and privacy. The floors are swept, the sinks are wiped down, and the stalls actually close and lock. The smell is fine, and it does not feel stuffy or gross. The biggest problem here is the paper towel situation. There are never any. The dispensers are right there, but they are always empty. It is the greatest mystery of the building. If they were ever stocked, this bathroom could jump a whole category. As for the look, it is plain and badly lit. The mirror is not flattering, and the lighting feels like it was chosen to punish anyone who tries to check their reflection. Still, this bathroom works well for a quick stop between classes, and you do not have to fight a crowd to use it.

#2 – Guitar Hall Bathroom

Cleanliness: 5
Smell: 4
Privacy: 5
Look: 1
Crowds: 5
Total: 20/25 — “Pretty Good”

       The guitar hall bathroom is a hidden favorite for those who know it exists. It is calm, clean, and usually empty, which already gives it an advantage. It scores high across almost every category. The cleanliness is impressive, the smell is light, and the stalls have perfect locks. The privacy is unmatched, and there are no weird cracks in the doors. You can actually breathe in this bathroom without feeling rushed. It also has paper towels, soap, and a good mirror, which is rare. The lighting is not great, but the mirror is clear and not scratched, which earns bonus respect. The graffiti on the stall doors keeps it from being a perfect score. Some of it is funny, some is questionable, but none of it ruins the experience. Crowds? Almost never. You can count on having the place to yourself. This bathroom feels like a calm pocket in a hectic school day.

#1 – Nurse’s Office Bathroom

Cleanliness: 5
Smell: 4
Privacy: 5
Look: 4
Crowds: 5
Total: 23/25 — “Amazing”

       The best bathroom in the entire school is the one inside the nurse’s office. It is quiet, spotless, and stocked up with everything you could want. This bathroom feels like it belongs in another building. It always has paper towels, soap, and tissues. The lighting is bright but not harsh, and there is even a scale in the corner, which makes it stand out from every other restroom. The mirror is clean and positioned perfectly, which makes it the best spot for a quick hair check before heading back to class. Privacy is excellent, since it is a single stall behind a closed door. You do not hear people talking in the hallway or knocking impatiently. It is peaceful, private, and well taken care of. It also smells surprisingly nice, which might be because the nurse’s office always feels cleaner than the rest of the school. Crowds are not an issue since most people only go in when they are called or feeling sick. It is basically the VIP bathroom. If you ever get the chance to use it, take it. You will walk out feeling like you just went to a five-star restroom.

Student Opinions

To get a full picture of what students think, I asked a few girls around school three questions:

Which bathroom do you usually go to, and why?
– “We normally go to the upstairs bathroom because it is clean and smells good, and that is where we like getting ready for cheer” – Ellie Cleveland (9) and Hazel Bello (9)

– “I never go to the one in the guitar hallway, or the one in the cafeteria, or the one in the library. I usually do the big one upstairs or downstairs” – Saiana Elkins (12)

-“Usually the top and bottom floor, main bathrooms” – Amelie Gilmore (12)

What is the worst bathroom experience you have had at school?

– “The line, especially before 3rd period, really sucks” – Jill Gunn (12)

-“The lines are really bad” – Amelie Gilmore (12)

If you could redesign one school bathroom, what is the first thing you would change?
-“I would make actual locks that work” – Ellie Cleveland (9)

-“I would make sure the sinks stay on for more than 5 seconds, because there is no way I can wash my hands in 5 seconds” – Hazel Bello (9)

-“Paper towels, locks on the doors, and better lighting” – Amelie Gilmore (12)

These responses show what people actually notice most: from missing locks to lighting to how crowded it gets during certain periods. It is clear everyone has strong opinions when it comes to school bathrooms.

Final Thoughts

       Each bathroom at school has its own personality. The upstairs one is reliable but chaotic, the downstairs one is average but missing key supplies, and the guitar hall bathroom is the secret best choice for anyone who wants peace and quiet. The nurse’s office bathroom, though, stands above them all. It is the only one that feels calm, bright, and actually clean enough to call “amazing.” Overall, every restroom benefits from how much the janitors care. Their effort shows, and without them, this ranking would look very different. Even with the crowds and missing paper towels, the bathrooms stay cleaner than most schools could hope for. So next time you are deciding where to go, remember: if you are near the nurse’s office, you just found the best bathroom in the building.