William Henry Shaw High School is located in Columbus, Georgia, United States. It opened in 1978 at its present location in the Northern Columbus area. Students began attending classes in September of the same year.
Serving 1,162 students in grades 9-12, Shaw High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Georgia for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 39%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the Georgia state average of 40%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Georgia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Georgia state average of 66% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,162 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in GA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Shaw High School serves the eastern part of Columbus, GA, covering an area of approximately 46.1 square miles. Most students live within a 10-15 minute drive, with an average distance of about 6 miles to the school, while the furthest edge of the attendance zone is about 14.1 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shaw High School's student population of 1,162 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 80 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,162 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1978
School Calendar
School Rankings
Shaw High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,192 schools in Georgia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Shaw High School is 0.64, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1549 out of 2192 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
39%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
40%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
40%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
3%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
15%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Black
56%
36%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
White
14%
34%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
94%
84.4%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)29.4%
26.2%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
81%
63%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (16-17)
13%
5%
Showing 2008–2017. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Raider
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), GA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shaw High School's ranking?
Shaw High School is ranked #1549 out of 2,192 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Georgia.
What schools are Shaw High School often compared to?
Shaw High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Northside High School, Spencer High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 39% GA state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 40% GA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Shaw High School?
The graduation rate of Shaw High School is 94%, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 84.4%.
How many students attend Shaw High School?
1,162 students attend Shaw High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Shaw High School students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 11% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shaw High School?
Shaw High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Shaw High School offer ?
Shaw High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Shaw High School part of?
Shaw High School is part of Muscogee County School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
We have been very happy with Shaw. The teachers are very invested in the education of the students and have been very kind and caring.
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