Each year there are many valedictorians, most of whom go on to top universities. In June 2005, 44 valedictorians graduated. In recent years, however, the school has faced widespread criticism that white students are served through AP and honors programs, and black students are not supported. During the 2006–2007 school year Garfield offered more than 120 different classes across nine departments, including an extensive selection of advanced classes. Garfield students can take classes from local community colleges through a program called Running Start, and online courses from Stanford's EPGY and Johns Hopkins University's CTY program. Some students attend on-campus courses at the University of Washington.