Serving 1,652 students in grades 9-12, West High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 64%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65% (which is lower than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is higher than the Iowa state average of 28% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,652 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Btm 50% in IA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
West High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
West High School's student population of 1,652 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 97 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,652 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
97 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
West High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,233 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of West High School is 0.70, which is more 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
#936 out of 1233 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
64%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
6%
2%
Hispanic
14%
13%
Black
20%
7%
White
49%
72%
Hawaiian
4%
1%
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
90%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
48%
36%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is West High School's ranking?
West High School is ranked #936 out of 1,233 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are West High School often compared to?
West High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like East High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 64% IA state average), while 65% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
What is the graduation rate of West High School?
The graduation rate of West High School is 90%, which is equal to the Iowa state average of 90%.
How many students attend West High School?
1,652 students attend West High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of West High School students are White, 20% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of West High School?
West High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does West High School offer ?
West High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is West High School part of?
West High School is part of Waterloo Comm School District.
School Reviews
Review West High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
College Application Requirement for High School Graduation? DC Weighs Possibility
The article discusses a proposal in Washington D.C. to make college applications a requirement for high school graduation. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy, including its impact on graduation rates and college attendance. The piece also considers similar initiatives in other states and the debate surrounding this approach
Bribing Students to Get Good Grades: The Debate
This piece explores the controversial practice of offering monetary rewards to students for good grades. It examines studies conducted in various cities, discussing the effectiveness of such programs and the ethical concerns they raise. The article presents arguments from both supporters and critics of this approach to student motivation.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.