Waco High School is a public high school located in the city of Waco, Texas and classified as a 6A school by the UIL. It is a part of the Waco Independent School District located in central McLennan County. In 2015, the school was rated “Improvement Required” by the Texas Education Agency.
Serving 1,778 students in grades 9-12, Waco 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 24% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 41%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 21% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% 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: 1,778 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 21% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Waco High School's student population of 1,778 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 144 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,778 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
144 teachers
Year Founded
1986
School Rankings
Waco 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 Waco High School is 0.57, 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
#7586 out of 8188 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
41%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
21%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
29%
46%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
58%
53%
Black
30%
13%
White
10%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
83%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Lion
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waco High School's ranking?
Waco High School is ranked #7586 out of 8,188 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Waco High School often compared to?
Waco High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like University High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 41% TX state average), while 21% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Waco High School?
The graduation rate of Waco High School is 81%, which is lower than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Waco High School?
1,778 students attend Waco High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
58% of Waco High School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Waco High School?
Waco High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Waco High School offer ?
Waco High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Waco High School part of?
Waco High School is part of Waco Independent School District.
In what neighborhood is Waco High School located?
Waco High School is located in the Heart of Texas neighborhood of Waco, TX. There are 2 other public schools located in Heart of Texas.
School Reviews
Review Waco 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
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.
