Permian High School is a public high school located in Odessa, Texas and is one of two high schools in the Ector County Independent School District. It was the subject of the book Friday Night Lights, which in turn inspired a movie and TV series of the same name.
Serving 4,126 students in grades 9-12, Permian High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 16% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 26% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 81% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 4,126 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 42% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Permian High School's student population of 4,126 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 216 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
4,126 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
216 teachers
Year Founded
1959
Colors
Black, White
School Rankings
Permian High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,188 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Permian High School is 0.45, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7871 out of 8188 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
42%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
6%
Hispanic
72%
53%
Black
6%
13%
White
19%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Panther
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Permian High School's ranking?
Permian High School is ranked #7871 out of 8,188 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Permian High School often compared to?
Permian High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Odessa High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
16% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% TX state average), while 26% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Permian High School?
The graduation rate of Permian High School is 84%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Permian High School?
4,126 students attend Permian High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
72% of Permian High School students are Hispanic, 19% of students are White, 6% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Permian High School?
Permian High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Permian High School offer ?
Permian High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Permian High School part of?
Permian High School is part of Ector County Independent School District.
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