Serving 1,554 students in grades 6-12, Payson High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Utah for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Utah state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35% (which is lower than the Utah state average of 43%).
The student:teacher ratio of 23:1 is higher than the Utah state level of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Utah state average of 29% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,554 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 91% (Top 50% in UT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
School Overview
Payson High School's student population of 1,554 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
1,554 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Payson High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 975 schools in Utah (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Payson High School is 0.33, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.46. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#808 out of 975 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)15%
39%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)28%
45%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
22:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
17%
20%
Black
1%
1%
White
80%
71%
Hawaiian
n/a
2%
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
91%
88%
Eligible for Free Lunch
19%
23%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payson High School's ranking?
Payson High School is ranked #808 out of 975 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Utah.
What schools are Payson High School often compared to?
Payson High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Salem Hills High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% UT state average), while 35% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% UT state average).
What is the graduation rate of Payson High School?
The graduation rate of Payson High School is 91%, which is higher than the Utah state average of 88%.
How many students attend Payson High School?
1,554 students attend Payson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Payson High School students are White, 17% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Payson High School?
Payson High School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the Utah state average of 22:1.
What grades does Payson High School offer ?
Payson High School offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is Payson High School part of?
Payson High School is part of Nebo School District.
School Reviews
1 1/20/2020
The school is ok but the auto class is one of the best sad to see them leave soon.
5 3/23/2019
Payson High School excels in the skills and educations that students can achieve. My student enjoys and excels in mathematics, so PHS is cultivating that passion. I''m also trying to persuade my student to get skills such as auto mechanics and cabinetry before she graduates. PHS definitely has the staff and facilities to help my student achieve great things past high school.
5 3/23/2019
Payson High School has the staff and facilities to help my student achieve great things. My student enjoys and excels in Math and the staff has encouraged her to pursue that passion. I have also encouraged my student to learn skills such as cabinetry and auto mechanics before high school graduation. PHS has helped my student become better with the opportunities and challenges they help her overcome.
5 12/8/2017
I am here to say that Payson High School is NOT Trash. Often we are viewed as a trashy school, this is a stereotype that we are trying to break free of because not everyone does drugs, not everyone gets pregnant, and not everyone has failing grades. This is a good student body and a good school. No it's not perfect but it's not as trashy as everyone makes it sound. And yes our football team has not had a great past, but this year we have made progress, a lot of progress. A football team, a few failing grades, a few bad choices do not define a school or the students in it. Payson High has pride to be proud of, because WE ARE A NEW PAYSON!
2 5/3/2011
When you become a resource student, the staff treat you like Special E.D. students or drop your studies down to basic elementary study instead of working with you in the one or two course your having a problem with. If the teacher has a problem with you, your most likely going to fail. You have a problem with they're teaching ethics, you'll most likely fail. Also, if you don't have the name, don't expect to be treated like an individual. That's not the lion way.
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