Serving 1,648 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 18% (which is lower than the Utah state average of 40%). 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 24:1 is higher than the Utah state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Utah state average of 31% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 1,648 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 20% in UT)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Payson High serves the west part of its school district in Payson, UT, covering an area of approximately 431.7 square miles. Families in this zone typically have a 20 to 30-minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge located about 25.4 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), UT Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Payson High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Utah for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Payson High School's student population of 1,648 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 70 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
1,648 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
70 teachers
Showing 2012–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Payson High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 957 schools in Utah (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Payson High School is 0.36, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#801 out of 957 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
40%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)35%
43%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)28%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
21:1
Showing 2012–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
19%
21%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
1%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
White
78%
69%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
94%
88.3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)31.9%
26.5%
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
23%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
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 #801 out of 957 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?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% 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 94%, which is higher than the Utah state average of 88.3%.
How many students attend Payson High School?
1,648 students attend Payson High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
78% of Payson High School students are White, 19% 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 24:1, which is higher than the Utah state average of 21:1.
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
2 10/10/2025
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.
5 10/10/2025
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!
5 10/10/2025
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 10/10/2025
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.
1 10/10/2025
The school is ok but the auto class is one of the best sad to see them leave soon.
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