University High School is a public high school located in the city of Waco, Texas, part of Waco Independent School District and classified as a 5A school by the University Interscholastic League. It is one of two public high schools in Waco ISD, the other being Waco High School.
Serving 1,752 students in grades 9-12, University 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 36% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is equal to the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 76% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,752 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: University High School serves the southeast part of Waco, TX, covering an area of approximately 24.6 square miles. Most students live within a 10-12 minute drive to the school, with an average distance of 3.4 miles from the school to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 5.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
University High School's student population of 1,752 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 123 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,752 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
123 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1946
School Calendar
School Rankings
University High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of University High School is 0.44, 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
#6607 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
44%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
14:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
71%
54%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
23%
13%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
5%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
1%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
86%
90.3%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.9%
23%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
56%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
4%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Purple
School Mascot
Trojans
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University High School's ranking?
University High School is ranked #6607 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are University High School often compared to?
University High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Waco High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of University High School?
The graduation rate of University High School is 86%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90.3%.
How many students attend University High School?
1,752 students attend University High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of University High School students are Hispanic, 23% of students are Black, 5% of students are White, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of University High School?
University High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is equal to the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does University High School offer ?
University High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is University High School part of?
University High School is part of Waco Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is University High School located?
University High School is located in the Alta Vista neighborhood of Waco, TX. There are 2 other public schools located in Alta Vista.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This School Has poor Education and the teachers are nothing but rude students have no self respect and are disrespectful i am a student at the school and i hate it kids are rude and loud and have NO Home training techers act like they just dont care and i hope the school gets shut down
Review University 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
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.
