Gainesville High School is a high school in Gainesville, Florida, United States. There were 1,890 students attending it in 2015. The current principal is Daniel Ferguson, who joined the GHS staff in July 2022.
Serving 1,791 students in grades 9-12, Gainesville High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Florida for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 55% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 56% (which is higher than the Florida state average of 52%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the Florida state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is lower than the Florida state average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,791 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 83% (Btm 50% in FL)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 55% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 56% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 57% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Gainesville High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
Gainesville High School's student population of 1,791 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 73 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,791 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
73 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
White, Purple
School Calendar
School Motto
We are committed to the success of every student.
School Rankings
Gainesville High School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,662 schools in Florida (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Gainesville High School is 0.73, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1370 out of 3662 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
55%
52%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
52%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
57%
52%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
5%
3%
Hispanic
21%
37%
Black
31%
21%
White
36%
35%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
83%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
43%
47%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), FL Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Purple Hurricane
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gainesville High School's ranking?
Gainesville High School is ranked #1370 out of 3,662 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Florida.
What schools are Gainesville High School often compared to?
Gainesville High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like F. W. Buchholz High School, Eastside High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
55% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average), while 56% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 52% FL state average).
What is the graduation rate of Gainesville High School?
The graduation rate of Gainesville High School is 83%, which is lower than the Florida state average of 87%.
How many students attend Gainesville High School?
1,791 students attend Gainesville High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of Gainesville High School students are White, 31% of students are Black, 21% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gainesville High School?
Gainesville High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1.
What grades does Gainesville High School offer ?
Gainesville High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gainesville High School part of?
Gainesville High School is part of Alachua School District.
School Reviews
5 7/27/2013
i would recommend this school for students that like football,volleyball,basketball
Review Gainesville 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
