Payette High School is a public high school in the western United States, located in Payette, Idaho. It is well known for its large domed gymnasium, a former radar dome from the closed Baker Air Force Station in eastern Oregon; it was moved to PHS in the early 1970s.
Serving 319 students in grades 9-12, Payette High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Idaho for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 10-14% (which is lower than the Idaho state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is lower than the Idaho state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Idaho state level of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Idaho state average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 319 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (Btm 50% in ID)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6-9% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ID Dept. of Education
School Overview
Payette High School's student population of 319 students has declined by 16% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 33% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
319 students
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Payette High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 704 schools in Idaho (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Payette High School is 0.54, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.44. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#581 out of 704 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6-9%
41%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
17:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
40%
21%
Black
n/a
1%
White
55%
72%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
75-79%
80%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)11%
16.9%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
32%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ID Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Pirate
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Payette High School's ranking?
Payette High School is ranked #581 out of 704 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Idaho.
What schools are Payette High School often compared to?
Payette High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like New Plymouth High School, Fruitland High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% ID state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% ID state average).
What is the graduation rate of Payette High School?
The graduation rate of Payette High School is 75-79%, which is lower than the Idaho state average of 80%.
How many students attend Payette High School?
319 students attend Payette High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Payette High School students are White, 40% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Payette High School?
Payette High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Idaho state average of 17:1.
What grades does Payette High School offer ?
Payette High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Payette High School part of?
Payette High School is part of Payette Joint School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school was wonderful for my son. He transferred here far behind and was in danger of not graduating. He was finally ready to work toward that goal, and Payette High School staff really worked with him. He was surprised at the support. He even told me, "Mom, they think I can do it." He did, and I am grateful for help and support they provided.
Review Payette 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
Phone Bans Are Expanding: Will They Actually Help Your Child?
Phone bans are spreading in public schools nationwide. Learn how to evaluate whether a school's cellphone policy will improve your child's learning and well-being.
Should You Move for a Better Public School or Stay Put?
Considering a move to a higher-rated public school? Learn how to weigh school quality, housing costs, and family priorities before relocating.
How to Compare Public School Value Beyond Test Scores
Learn how to evaluate public school value using student support, school climate, opportunities, and outcomes, not just standardized test scores.
